7 months ago I first talked to my doctor about my anxiety. She gave me and my parents questionnaires to fill out. Upon looking at them, she gave us a list of therapists and said she thought it would be a good idea for me to see one. Since then I have been through ups and downs, even going through the lowest low I've had in a while and began self harming again, and my parents have done nothing. In the beginning they tried to contact the therapists but "never got any calls back". My mom found out I was self harming again and threatened to put me in a mental hospital but hasnt really taken my mental health seriously. I'm 16 so I can't really take matters into my own hands yet, what can I do?
Do you reside in the US? If so you should be able to see a doctor without your parents regardless of your age. You will most likely pay a copay and depending on the coverage your parents have, they may need to pay a deductible but you can be seen. Are your parents possibly concerned about the cost of therapy? I think some people have a difficult time understanding our mental condition. If you've never experienced this it's easy for them to just tell us to knock it off, stop it, it's fine, and on and on. You should talk with your parents and ask them why they believe your condition doesn't warrant medical help. I'm sad for you that your parents are not giving you the medical support you need. Maybe talk with your doctor about options If your parents aren't willing to step in.
Sweetie, I'm sorry you're not getting the support you need from your parents. I dont know which country you live in, but regardless I feel it would be good for you to see a doctor or maybe a svhool nurse. Also in most European countries you can see a doctor or a nurse without your parents. They can help you find the care you need. Or maybe talk to some other adult about your situation, like an aunt or uncle? There is hope and help available. I wish you all the best!
Hello Chloe
Have you spoken to a terapist who specialises in self harm? What form does it tak/ If you cu yourself it is a pity that you expss your inner anxieties and emotions by harming yourself like this.
I did some training in self harm during a nursing course.
I think that you really do need to speak to a therapist about this. I see thaat you are16 and possibly not able to convey how you feel to people who can help you.
I would suggesst that you discuss this with a counsellor and find out what your rights are.
In the UK people become adults with rights aged 16 Children also have rights .
I will try to find th number for Childline for you as well.
You do not have to go to Social Services for help. You do not have to go into care.
With regards to your parents I am hesitant to interfere but I feel it is worth a try in explaining that youdonot wish togo into a 'mental instituionas youunderstand that thidd woud add more trauma in your life and possibly worsen th condition. I ersonally would look online for theraapists in self harm and have a chat withthem.Itis relly hard to advise youithout furtheer details fromyoubutt I understandthaat you may not wish anyone to intrud into yourpersonal bakground. Sometimes parents may say things out of concernbut it can comeover s beng threatening/
We are all here for you. You ned alternative coping strategies to cope with this episodes when youfeel compelled to self haarm. The problem with cutting yourself is that their is always a scar to rmind you so the objecive is self defeating, that is why it is important to talk to someone in depth about yourfeelings and th need to show the world your emotional scars in a visible way.You can be helped to overcome this self destroying compulsion.
Just keep hanging onto that and telling youreelf that you are a person and have the right to b respected, treated with dignity and of course not to suffer nany form whatsoever of abuse be it verbal, emotional, physical, psychological, financial, being deprived of food,warmth, a roof over your head, love, affection, choice, medical treatment, understanding, reassurance, freedom of expression and ideas .
We are all here for you. Take care Jane xxx.
Chloe Sorry about all the typos, I have got a headache!
Please try to get to talk to a therapist, Childline,another adult etc.
Take caare xx
Thank you for your advice Jane. Perhaps I made it sound worse than it is but I have little against my parents. They are very loving and supportive and I know that they want me to be happy and healthy. Maybe I just haven't been clear with them about how serious it really is. I want help really badly, but I don't know how to talk about it...
This is a very serious issue and it's unfortunate that your parents might not appreciate the gravity of the situation. Threatening to put you in a mental hospital is really counterproductive, considering there are steps that could be taken now to prevent things from escalating to that level. Your parents probably have great intentions, and certainly they really care for you, but I've found that many people have a hard time understanding our issues. When I was at my lowest points, I had people treat me as though I was lazy, or that I was simply weak and unable to cope with feeling a little nervous. In reality, what we go through can be crippling and has effects as serious as any physical health problem. There also can be a stigma with mental health issues. I hope you're able to see a therapist and get the help you need, it's clear from your post that you could benefit from some kind of treatment, even if it's just talking to a professional. My issues went unaddressed as a teen and by the time I was in my early 20's they had become out of control, I really think it's best if you address them as early as possible to prevent it from getting worse.