Do You Have a Problem Talking to Your Parents?

□"My parents have enough to worry about already."

You may feel bad piling on another problem if you feel your mom and dad are already loaded down with their own issues. Getting help from your parents now may actually prevent the problems from being worse down the road.

□My parents will be disappointed in me."

Your parents may feel confused or frustrated, but most parents wouldn’t feel that their son or daughter is a “disappointment” because they came to them for help.

□"My parents just won't understand."

Quite a few parents probably don't understand what's going on in their kids' heads.  A parent may not completely get what is going on, but will almost always understand one important thing: "My kid's suffering, and I have to do something." 

□"My parents will make it worse."

In the short-term, it might feel like that. They may check up on you more often when you go through periods of self-neglect or self-injury, but that’s a good thing.

□"My parents are part of the problem."

If you think your problems stem directly from your parents, go to another trusted adult for help.

□"I'm too ashamed to talk about it."

Shame is a strong emotion. Your parents will probably ask most of their questions when you first tell them, so it may be intense in the beginning but you will feel better afterward.

□"I don’t have a great relationship with my parents, so I’m not comfortable talking to them."

If you don’t feel much of a connection with your parents, you may be uncomfortable bringing up a serious issue. Even if they’re not good at expressing themselves, have faith that they care and want to help you.

□"My parents don’t have enough money for me to see a therapist."

There are many places that will base their fees on a “sliding scale.” That means they’re willing to lower the cost if your family is on a tight budget