Thanks for reaching out to us tonight! It sounds like you're going through a tough and stressful situation. It's understandable that you might not have wanted to tell your parents about what happened with this neighbor in the past. That is a very difficult thing to talk about.

It's good that you are willing to talk to them now and tell them what happened; like you said, its definitely affecting you and influencing your life.  You're isolating yourself, don't go out, might have a lot of anxiety, stress, depression, or just difficulty getting past what happened.

Its not right or fair that this happened to you. Not for a second! But telling your parents what happened is the right thing to do. Sit them down and tell them that you have to tell them something that is difficult for you to say.

Then just tell them what happened. Let them know that you were upset, embarrassed, ashamed, or just couldn't talk about it, but now you want there help because its affecting your life. They will most likely be upset at the neighbor, but will better be able to support you and get you any more help that you might need.

Just have a conversation with them about it. Be honest. Its going to be nerve wracking thinking of telling them, but once you start talking, it will get easier and be over before you know it. Then you guys can work on dealing with this situation--together. You don't need or deserve to go through this alone anymore. Talk to them about it tomorrow and let us know what happens. Hang in there.

Melissa, Counselor