Kids tend to think that their parents expect perfection. Telling their parents about their mental illness symptoms would mean exposing their faults. Consequently, many kids suffer in silence to avoid ‘disappointing’ their parents. This is unfortunate, as no one should have to navigate mental health issues alone. There is no shame in struggling with mental illness and, chances are, if you told your parents, they would be proud of your honesty and honored that you trusted them to help. You might even find that by giving voice to your experience with mental health symptoms, you open the door to a source for comfort and understanding.
Being Scared of Your Parent’s Reactions
Sharing your feelings with your parents can be scary because you don’t know how they will react. However, the sooner you speak to them, the sooner you will start feeling better. Consider scheduling a meeting with your parents, or setting up times to speak with them individually, and let them know what you have been going through. You can even do a little research on mental health and mental health symptoms to get an idea of what you might be dealing with before talking to them. Doing so might give you some direction when you have the conversation. If you are still struggling with the idea of talking to your parents, you can always write them a letter. This way, you can get all your thoughts out on paper without any interruptions or getting off track. Be honest with yourself and let your parents know what kind of support you are seeking.
Being Scared of Disappointing Your Parents
Your parents might be upset that you are suffering, but that does not mean that they are mad or disappointed in you. Usually, they are just happy to have the chance to support you and want to offer help wherever they can. If you feel like your parents are placing high expectations on you, ask where those expectations are coming from and discuss whether they are realistic. Explain your fears of making them sad or disappointed and let them know if their high expectations are putting too much pressure on you. They will be grateful for your honesty.
Being Scared to Burden Your Parents
All parents tend to have their own stresses and responsibilities. Your wellbeing is still very important and worthy of their attention. The job of a parent is to care for their child, above all else. If you are worried about stressing out your parents, pick a time to talk when things are calm. Let them know what you are going through and how they can help. Your parents can provide a great deal of support for your mental health if you let them.
Mental illness can be a scary thing to navigate without proper support. If you are experiencing symptoms that are making your life difficult to manage, it is important that you confide in your parents, as they can be a source of compassion and understanding. Inviting your parents into your mental health concerns will allow them to help you as you seek professional help and resources to manage your symptoms. At Alta Loma, we can help you navigate your mental health, making the experience easier for you and your family. Located in Georgetown, Texas, our transformative treatment facilities can come up with a comprehensive treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs. We can provide you with individualized therapy, medication management, family counseling, therapeutic recreational activities, up to 24 months of residency, among other services. To learn more about what we can offer you and your family, call (866) 457-3843.