I told my mom that I'm struggling with my mental health and she doesn't believe me and won't get me help. What can I do?
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I can only imagine how hard it must be to want to confide in your parents that you are struggling with your mental health and constantly being invalidated and dismissed.
It is painful when you are seeking validation and support from your loved ones and it seems as if they are just unable to give it to you.
It can be really difficult for our parents to understand the depth of how serious mental health is. Depending on cultural perspectives, parents may sometimes have their own viewpoints around stigma, denial that mental health is serious, and the fear of the unknown about something they cannot see. This resistance may lead to them genuinely not knowing how to respond in a way that is affirming and empathetic to you.
One of the most important things to remember is that your mental health comes first, always. You deserve help and you deserve support regardless of how your parents choose to respond.
If you have tried speaking to your mom directly, it may be helpful to share some resources with her. Highlight the sections that resonate with you so she can see how much this really has an impact on you.
Ex: “Mom, it’s been very hard to stay motivated because I have been feeling so hopeless all the time. That’s why I want to talk to someone and get some extra support. I’m wondering if we could read this article together on _____ and talk about it afterwards.
If that does not help, speaking with a trusted friend or family member may be helpful. Having a strong support system goes a long way and they can help advocate for you.
If you have a trusted teacher, coach or counselor, ask to speak to them in private, they aren’t required to report back to your parents unless you are in danger, harming yourself or others.
If you do not have access to a therapist, you can seek support online from the following websites..
Imani Tutt
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