Dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue can be tough – and telling your parents that you need therapy may seem like an impossible task. But how to tell your parents you need therapy?
On the other hand, your parents want what’s best for you, and they’ll most likely be understanding once they understand that therapy can help you feel better. Do not wait until you are in a crisis to have this conversation. If possible, start the conversation when you feel calm and relaxed.
Maybe you’re worried that your parents will think you’re weak or crazy. But the reality is that therapy is a sign of strength. It takes guts to face your problems head-on and get the help you need. If you have concerns about your mental health, reach out to a trusted adult – like a parent, grandparent, teacher, or coach – and tell them what’s happening. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can tell you need therapy.
How To Tell Your Parents You Need Therapy?
Parents are often the last people we want to tell about our mental health struggles. We worry they’ll think we’re weak or be disappointed in us. But it’s important to remember that your parents want what’s best for you, and they’ll likely be supportive once they understand that therapy can help you feel better. Do not wait until you’re in a bind to have this discussion. If feasible, start the discussion when both of you feel calm and serene.
Reaching out and asking for help is never easy, but it’s important to remember that therapy is a sign of strength. It takes guts to face your problems head-on and get the help you need. If you have concerns about your mental health, reach out to a trusted adult. The good news is that once you take that first step, you’ll likely find that your parents are more supportive than you ever thought possible. Here are some organizations where you can get therapy at a low cost:
=>Regain.us Couples & Marriage Counseling
It’s also helpful to be prepared with information about therapy. You can tell your parents that therapy is a safe place to talk about your feelings and get help with whatever is going on in your life.
If you’re feeling nervous about how to broach the subject, consider these tips:
=> Pick The Right Time: Choose a time when your parents are relaxed and have some free time. Avoid having this conversation when they’re rushing out the door or are already stressed out.
=> Be Direct: Get right to the point by telling your parents that you’re struggling and want to see a therapist.
=> Explain Why: Help your parents understand why therapy could be helpful by sharing how you’re feeling and what you’re struggling with.
=> Reassure Them: Let your parents know that you’re not looking for a quick fix – you’re willing to do the work required to make lasting changes.
=> Ask For Their Help: Explain that you need their support in finding a therapist and prioritizing therapy.
=> Thank Them: Show your appreciation for their support by expressing how grateful you are that they’re willing to help you get the help you need.
Remember, your parents want what’s best for you – so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. With their support, therapy can be a game-changer in your journey towards better mental health. You can take these therapies online as well as offline. Therapists are available online as well as in person.
How To Prepare For The Conversation
Before you have a conversation with your parents, it can be helpful to take some time to prepare. This will help you feel more confident and less anxious about the discussion. You can prepare some talking points, or even practice the conversation with a friend. Some things you may want to keep in mind as you prepare for the conversation:
Plan Out The Conversation:
When you’re ready to have the conversation, take some time to plan what you want to say. This will help you feel more confident and less likely to get tongue-tied when the time comes. You may even want to write out what you want to say or practice with a friend beforehand. You can write down the points you want to make and the questions you want to ask. This way, you’ll be less likely to forget anything important at the moment.
Practice The Conversation Or Draft the Content:
You can also try role-playing the conversation with a friend before having it with your parents. This can help you get more comfortable with what you want to say and how you want to say it. If you don’t feel comfortable talking about the subject aloud, you can also write out what you want to say. This can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Start With An Empathy Statement:
Once you’re ready to begin the conversation, start by telling your parents how you’ve been feeling. This will help them understand why therapy might be helpful for you. For example, you might say, “I’ve been struggling lately, and I’m unsure what to do. I’ve been feeling down and hopeless.”
Be Direct:
After sharing your feelings, be direct about what you’d like to do. Tell your parents that you’d like to see a therapist and explain why you think it would be helpful. For example, you might say, “I think seeing a therapist would be helpful for me. I’d like someone to talk to to help me figure out what’s going on and how to feel better.”
Involve Them In The Decision And Process:
After sharing your thoughts and feelings, involve your parents in decision-making. Ask them what they think about therapy and whether they would be willing to support you in seeing a therapist. If unsure or have reservations, try to address their concerns head-on. For example, you might say, “I know you’re worried that therapy means there’s something wrong with me, but I think it would be helpful. Can we please try it and see how it goes?”
If they agree to support you in seeing a therapist, involve them in the process of finding one. You can ask them to help you with different research therapists or to come with you to your first appointment. This will show them that you’re serious about getting help and value their input.
If They Say No:
If your parents say no or are unwilling to support you in seeing a therapist, try to stay calm. It can be difficult to hear that they don’t think therapy is a good idea, but it’s important to remember that you have a right to make your own decisions about your mental health.
You can also look into therapy alternatives, like support groups or self-help books. These might not be as effective as seeing a therapist, but they can still help manage your mental health.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to talk to your parents about therapy, but it’s important to remember that you have a right to make your own decisions about your mental health. If you’re unsure what to say, reach out to a therapist for guidance. They can help you navigate this situation and figure out the best way to move forward.
You can also read:
How To Convince Someone To Go To Therapy
