Summary
A teenager feels persistently irritable and sometimes depressed, but a parent dismisses the request for therapy as attitude. The teenager asks how to obtain support and communicate the concern.
The response encourages explaining the reasons for wanting therapy and repeating the request so the parent understands it is serious.
It also identifies school psychology services and community mental health centers as possible sources of help if the parent remains resistant.
Question
Reader · Identity withheldI’m 16, and I think I have a mental illness. I told my mom that I want to see a therapist because I feel irritable all the time, but she says its just my “attitude.” My mom is a nurse, so it’s scary that she doesn’t take me seriously.
Could things get worse if I don’t get help? Sometimes I feel depressed over small things, or even for no reason at all. What’s going on with me? How can I convince my mom to help me before it gets worse?
Answer
Ann LandersSeeing a therapist can help you become less affected by trivial things. If you have only told your mother once or twice that you would like to see a therapist, I suggest telling her again, so that she knows you are serious.
Also tell her why you want to see a therapist because she may not know why. If you cannot get her to understand, there are often school psychologists (this is different than a guidance counselor) that you can talk to for free, or community mental health centers in most areas.
Looking in the phone book will help you locate them. They are often free too and can help you if your mother remains resistant. Hope this helps. – Anne
