I'm 14 and pretty much positive that I have ADHD and pretty sure I'm depressed as a result. I've been missing school now and my parents just don't have a clue why. How do I mention it?
4 Answers
Last Updated: 05/30/2022 at 8:09am
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Jennifer Patterson, LMFT
Art Therapist
Life can be messy. Sometimes you need a little support to make your way through it. I love to help guide people through their challenges & to find the beauty in our messes.
Top Rated Answers
I'm so sorry to hear this. I have found the best way to bring mental health issues up is to do it at a time where everyone is calm (i.e. not when you have been fighting about school). Calmly explain some of your symptoms to one or both of your parents and explain that this has been contributing to your behavior.
Sometimes, it can be helpful to use "I feel X when Y happens" statements in these sorts of circumstances to explain your feelings. For example, "I feeling discouraged and depressed when I cannot concentrate at school because it makes me feel like a failure". Phrasing things this way can help explain your actions and feelings without shifting the blame. Often when their children struggle in school, parents aren't sure what to do, so you offering them with a solvable explanation should come as a relief to them.
I hope you get the help you need!
Understanding what you need and advocating for yourself can be hard to do. Reaching out for health may seem like a sign of weakness, but it takes incredible strength to recognize you need help. Your parents want what's best for you and they worry because they care. If you just remain open with yourself and advocate for what you feel you need, things should work out.
Talk to them about getting a professional diagnosis and help to what is causing the issues you are talking about
Anonymous
May 30th, 2022 8:09am
Hey there! In my personal experience it can be pretty hard to drop that on your family, expecially if they dont get it. The best way to do it though, is just to sit them down and be blunt. Sure, you can beat around the bush, or drop hints but they wont get what you mean until you say it flat out. Provide your experiences, your struggles and how its making you feel, and what you want them to do for you to help you out. If they refuse, thats gonna happen sometimes and itll only get better here on out. Just remember to look into your symptoms, you are valid and you deserve help no matter what
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