It’s hard enough to deal with your own emotions when things feel overwhelming. But what happens when you finally build up the courage to talk about your mental health — and your parent brushes it off?
Maybe they say things like “you’re just being dramatic,” or “we don’t do therapy in this house.” Maybe they don’t believe in depression or anxiety at all. Or maybe they’re so focused on their own struggles, they don’t even notice yours.
If any of this sounds familiar, just know: you’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone.
Mental illness is real. So is anxiety. So is depression. So is trauma. It doesn’t matter if the adults in your life don’t understand it — you know what you’re feeling.
And if you need help, you deserve help — no matter what anyone else believes.
This can be really tricky when you’re a teen and still live at home. Maybe your parent won’t let you see a therapist, or maybe they make fun of people who take medication. That can leave you feeling stuck, like you’re supposed to just “deal with it” and keep going.
But here’s the truth: there are still ways to get support.
Start with someone at school — a counselor, nurse, teacher, or trusted adult. You don’t need your parent’s permission just to talk to someone. Many schools have mental health staff who can help you make a plan, connect you with resources, or just listen.
You can also reach out to organizations (like the ones listed on YouTalkWA.com) or call/text 988 if you’re feeling unsafe or overwhelmed.
It’s okay to feel angry or sad that your parent doesn’t get it. It hurts when the people you love don’t understand what you need. But that doesn’t mean you stop asking for what you do need — from other adults, from your community, or from people who do understand.
You’re not overreacting.
You’re not attention-seeking.
You’re being brave — by facing something hard and speaking up anyway.
Even if your parent doesn’t believe in mental health…
You can still believe in your own healing.
