How to Talk to Your Parents About Getting Help |
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| 1. Know that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help |
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| “It’s just like having a hard time in math,” says Child Mind Institutepsychologist Jerry Bubrick, PhD. “You’d go to your parents and say, ‘Listen, I’m really struggling with math and I need extra help. Can you help me get that help?’ ” Keep in mind that experts say people who are successful in life are not those who don’t have any problems, but those who are good at getting help and rebounding from adversity. |
| 2. Bring it up |
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| Pick a low-key moment. “Don’t sit them down like, ‘Hey, I just killed someone,’ ” advises Dr. Bubrick. It’s easier to talk when everyone is feeling comfortable. You don’t want to be competing for their attention with other things or siblings. |
| 3. Explain how you’re feeling |
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Say what you’re having trouble with, and how it’s affecting you. For example, “I’m realizing it’s really hard for me to participate in class. Even if we’re just reading out loud, I’m terrified the teacher will call on me. I get really anxious and I can’t concentrate. Sometimes I feel so anxious I say I’m sick so I can stay home from school.”
Or maybe, “I’m not feeling like myself these days. I’m tired all the time, and I don’t want do things after school. I feel sad all the time — I don’t feel right.” |
| 4. Say you want help |
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Don’t get caught up trying to analyze or explain why you might be feeling this way. Just say, “I want to see someone who can help. I want to learn some strategies so I can start feeling better.”
If they say what you’re describing sounds normal — everybody gets nervous or down sometimes — let them know that you’re pretty sure this is more serious than that. The way you feel is making you unhappy and keeping you from doing things you want to do. |
| 5. If you need to, try again |
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“It isn’t always a good time for parents to talk,” says clinical psychologist Rachel Busman, PhD. “If you feel like your parents brushed you off before, try asking them again.” Sometimes it takes parents a little time to get the message. But Dr. Busman recommends this time setting aside time to talk. Say, “There’s something that I want to talk to you about, and it’s important. When are you going to be free to talk?”
Dr. Busman says going to another adult you trust can be helpful, too. An aunt or an uncle can help you talk to your parents about how you’re feeling. A trusted adult at school, like a teacher or a school psychologist, is also a good option. “Even if you’re having problems at school, someone there will want to help you,” says Dr. Busman. “It’s their job to help you feel successful.” |
| 6. Don’t wait |
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| The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll start feeling better, so don’t put the conversation off. You’ll be proud of yourself afterward, and feeling less alone can be a big relief. |
