I'm sorry to hear that your mother has breast cancer.  This counselor understands what it's like to find out that a parent has cancer, it sort of takes the wind right out of your sail doesn't it?  The thing to remember is that everyone reacts differently when they get news like this. 

Some people, like you, have a very optimistic viewpoint and that's a great outlook to have.  You are making a conscious decision to look at it and believe that the family will make it through this.  However, not everyone looks at life thinking the glass is half full and it sounds like that's sort of what's going on with your dad and brother.

When you look at the qualities of a rock, it's solid, it's not easy blown around and it's strong material-this is who you are.  You are a source of comfort for the family, however, we want to make sure that you're feeling the support that you need as well during this time.  Perhaps encouraging the family to join a support group or reaching out to a church community if your family attends church. 

It's important that you are utilizing positive coping strategies.  Some teens find that writing in a journal helps, you could also try deep breathing, listening to calming music, talking with a school counselor, taking a bubble bath, taking a walk, reaching out to a friend, or even cleaning your room. 

Remember you can only control how you feel about the situation, you cannot control how others feel.  You can share how you feel in the hopes that they may see things in a new and more positive light but you cannot change how another person feels.  Please continue to reach out for support, we have trained counselors available 24/7 and we will try to help to the best of our ability.

Let us know how you're doing with everything.

Counselor Aimee