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How can I make my family understand that I'm not seeking attention and just trying to get the help I need?

165 Answers
Last Updated: 03/17/2022 at 10:26am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Elena Morales, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I believe silence creates a cycle. With empathic and collaborative therapy, we break the cycle. I help clients feel validated and supported passed anger, shame, and anxiety.

Top Rated Answers
Pumpkin74
February 28th, 2018 8:37am
Many family members and friends will not accept the mental health help that you need because they either think they can fix it or it will pass. Just keep educating them and allow them to participate in some of your journey. They will learn as they go.
rationalFriend2400
February 28th, 2018 10:14pm
I’m sorry I don’t know, I decided to just not say anything and just gave up on trying to tell them.. my family is not understanding at all...
MuddatherAbozaid
March 8th, 2018 12:49am
Professional opinion from a specialist that explains your problem and how important it is to get you the help you need would normally do so.. Yet it still depends on why does your family refuse to admit that you simply need help not thier attention
wonderfullLake74
March 22nd, 2018 7:03am
That is a good question. If talking to your family directly doesn't work, I would talk to a teacher or guidance counselor at school, and explain your situation. When talking to your parents, be clear about how you're feeling and explain you feel the need for some help. Be clear on what type of help you are looking for too :)
Anonymous
April 1st, 2018 1:56am
explain to them what you're going through. be detailed so they are aware it is SERIOUS. family members might know more than you think.
creativeYellow37
April 1st, 2018 8:50am
you don't have to make them understand, don't force yourself. just live your life, grow, love yourself and most important explore your life.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2018 5:38am
Your family will understand because thy love you. Just explain to them what you are trying to tell them and let them feel how you feel.
Anonymous
April 13th, 2018 7:18pm
Talk about your dreams and your efforts that you are putting in and where you are lacking behind and ask if they can help where you lack.
Anonymous
April 14th, 2018 11:00pm
It can be very difficult to communicate with family members when facing negativity from them. These are people that often have known you your whole life, and misunderstandings can have strong effects on your relationships with them. If you need help, it is okay to calmly and respectfully tell people exactly how you are feeling, especially by prefacing the conversation with phrases like "I would really like your help", or "I'd like to talk to you about something. Please try to understand what I'm going through".
Anonymous
April 21st, 2018 3:50pm
Firstly, you can explain to them the best you can how you are feeling. The more they know, the more they can assist you in getting the help you need
AprylFools
April 26th, 2018 1:58pm
The best way to deal with this is to be open to your family. Explain calmly and clearly that you're unhappy and you need their support and help.
sillyseraph002
April 28th, 2018 3:09am
sometimes writing things out can help you get your thoughts in order. editing it, in another draft can make it easier for others to understand. write it out, and possibly have them read it. it will show thoughtfulness
Elena2081
May 3rd, 2018 5:44pm
Tell them that you are serious and that they should take you more seriously. Try telling them that you need, maybe a psychologist. Or some sort.
cheerfulRainbow56
June 2nd, 2018 3:19am
Seems Like Your Being Misinterpreted At Home, Be Positive, Some More Interest And Speak Out On Exactly what The Issue Is
WarmShadow8
June 3rd, 2018 5:13am
Try to talk to them in a proper and serious manner. Avoid actions that they may think only as a sign of rebellion. Instead, have a private conversation preferably with each family members of yours. Try to tell them what you are feeling and try to be open about your problems. If they still fail to understand your situation, talk to other people instead. Voice it out to your trusted friends or find help from professionals.
RedVase1234
June 3rd, 2018 5:15pm
Your journey of healing often begins by speaking with your doctor. By involving a healthcare professional, you can be on your path to feeling better; sometimes ignoring what your family has to say about "attention-seeking behaviour" is the best thing. Focus on healing yourself and your journey towards recovery.
Anonymous
June 7th, 2018 8:48pm
Explain your feelings and include examples that will get them to sympathise. Remind them that family supports each other
TheyCallMeEm
June 17th, 2018 8:55pm
Having a formal, planned conversation is a great way of letting parents know what is really going on! It is a way of telling them, "Hey, this is really important to me".
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 10:39am
ask them to talk about how you feel and what you want them to know, and how you can prove that you want to change and talk to them about it, because you love them you could even ask for help from neighbors or friends
SweetHoney77
June 29th, 2018 4:05pm
To help your family understand you're not seeking attention, you can explain to them the affects of how you're feeling and how much it's causing you to struggle.
Anonymous
July 8th, 2018 7:37pm
There are too many people in the world who are skeptical of mental health, and I can tell you from personal experience that it's very damaging. My parents never believed me, but I managed to get another relative to after really educating them on mental illness through online videos and articles.
Kayaondra02
July 11th, 2018 1:06am
Maybe instead of telling them you need help, show them. (If that makes sense..😂) Show them/give them reasons
Anonymous
July 12th, 2018 3:46am
Explain to them exactly what you're going through or maybe tell a guidance counselor to set up a meeting for them to understand
ArcaneSystem
July 15th, 2018 7:02pm
When you request help, tell them what you are facing in a short concise way. Extra details can confuse the family member and if you make it sound like a story, than they will only see it as that: a story.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 3:35am
The best thing to do is to be as serious as possibly with them. A good option is to tell them that you actually need professional help and that this is not a simple act of attention seeking.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2018 4:47pm
Everyone needs to be able to get the help they need . Sometimes when we act out , it's a cry for help . Family needs to understand that we have problems to and go through a lot . Family need to be there for you when you are having a tough time .
cherryblossomsss
August 22nd, 2018 2:37am
One of the best things to do is find an opportunity to sit down with your family and express to them what you are feeling. If they aren’t willing to make time for that, you still should try to sit down with them. Mentioning some forms of help that are available to you like perhaps therapy or anything of the sort would also be beneficial and hopefully your family would be willing to hear you out. Try to be as honest as possible about what you are feeling, you deserve the chance to get help and it’s good that you’re reaching out.
bria529
September 21st, 2018 12:06am
You should sit your family down and take them through a day in your life. 1. Explain your trials and errors - tell them what you have tried and what is not working. Show that it is not attention seeking, however, necessary for the next step. 2. Express to them your triumphs - These do not show you are not in need of help, but help is not a cry for attention. It is a winning component of success. 3. Take control of the situation and tell them what you need and what you expect from the help you want to receive.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2018 6:54pm
Use those exact words. Tell them you're not doing it for attention and that you really need their help. Tell them exactly what's been going on and how you're feeling. I know it can seem daunting. But explain what's been going on and reiterate that you need help, whether its from them or someone else. Let them ask questions and hopefully in them asking you things and you explaining the answer, they will realise you're not just doing it for attention and you do genuinely require help. If they still refuse to see that point, seek professional help without them if really necessary.
SophLovesPotatoes01
December 13th, 2018 12:06pm
Perhaps talk to them or if that isn't working, write a long and detailed letter than thoroughly explains your problems, what causes them, how it makes you feel and what you would like done about it. :) Be honest, this will help your family give you the support you need and deserve. Use terms like "Anxiety" and "Depression" to label your feelings and list any symptoms you may feel of these. Don't fear labels, they are the key to helping with issues and mapping out coping mechanisms. Try not to over or under exaggerate what is happening -- be truthful and clear. Good luck! :)