November 15, 2024

“My Parents Won’t Take My Mental Health Seriously…”

"My Parents Won't Take My Mental Health Seriously..."

Dealing with a mental illness can be hard, similar to how being a teenager can be hard. However, dealing with mental health issues as a teenager can leave you extremely vulnerable. During this time, young individuals tend to lean on their parents. But parents may not always be understanding. Teenagers often feel as if they are alone, so having a limited amount of understanding from their parents can make them feel like there’s no solution. But that is not correct. No matter your support system, you can find a solution. There will always be a solution. So, if this resonates with you, keep reading.

But…. If you have gray hair and pay a mortgage, then get out of here, this is for the teenagers who have issues because they sure do have a lot of them.

Stable relationships

When you don’t have family support, you would be surprised at how much you rely on others. So make sure the people entering your life are the ones who can help you with whatever mental struggles you are dealing with. When teenagers don’t have (enough) parental support, they can lean toward other influences in life. This can lead to building a negative dependency on certain relationships, or it can lead to an urgency in letting anyone in. Not everybody will protect your emotional well-being as you should.

It’s not about staying out of relationships; it’s about knowing which ones hurt your mental health even more. Loving yourself means distancing yourself from people who have and continue to scare you emotionally. It can be a gossip-minded friend, a backstabbing partner, or even a family member. When you are struggling with your issues, the added drama in your life will not help; it will only leave you feeling lost and defeated. Surround yourself with a partner who reassures you, a friend who listens to you, and a family that believes in you. This will change your life and how you face your mental challenges in the future.

Emerge yourself into something good

What are you giving your energy to? Are you indulging in negative habits without even realizing it? Think of the bad habits that you have created simply to distract you from your mental health. Now, this is not to make you feel bad but to make you see how many opportunities there are to change for the better.

Watching TV shows and movies

Sometimes what you need is a good film to help you reflect on your situation. Believe it or not, a film can change your entire perspective on what you are going through. And, when you have no one else to talk to, watching films can truly be your only escape. Whether it be a pinch of reality or a lighthearted distraction, TV shows and movies can be the beginning of your healing and relaxation.

Big Mouth

Big Mouth is a growing off-age animated series that covers mental health topics as the characters experience middle school.

The characters go through insecurity, depression, anxiety, obsessions, and puberty.

Degrassi: Next Class

Degrassi: Next Class is a high school-based series where each character tries to deal with school drama and personal issues.

The characters go through sexual identity, SA, abuse, substance misuse, racism, and teen pregnancy.

All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places is a movie that follows two teenagers as they face their crippling journey of romance and mental scars.

The characters go through bipolar, depression, grief, guilt, bullying, and self-harm.

Words on Bathroom Walls

Words on Bathroom Walls is a movie about a teenage boy and his path to overcoming mental disorders while finding new love.

The characters go through paranoid schizophrenia, suicide, self-harm, and bullying.

Walking in nature

You would be surprised how much getting out will help your mental state. Go to the park, go for a jog, or simply just walk. Walking can help you calm down, and decompressing can help you relax your mind, so why not put them together?

What you will need:

Step 1: Go outside for a walk where nature is full and green

Step 2: Repeat the following

■ What are some things I can see?

■ What are some things I can hear?

■ What are some things I can smell?

■ What are some things I can touch?

Group therapy with friends

Hanging out with friends can be all you need. Especially if you have no parental support, you may find it easier to talk to your friends. So, instead of just chilling with them, why make your own group therapy with them?

Set up a date with all your friends. Let everyone take a turn to tell the group what they’ve been going through lately. These conversations can include any stress anyone has been facing, emotional issues, or even any drama. Remember, the conversations can range from talking about school issues to talking about trouble at home. The good thing is that everyone should have their turn and should be listened to equally.

Affrimations

Affirmations for anxiety:

■ I am in a safe environment, and I am okay

■ I am capable of handling all situations that I face today

■ I can attract positive energy into my life

■ I choose to live in the present

Affirmations for depression:

■ I am not alone

■ I am learning every day

■ I want happiness so I choose happiness

Affirmations for stress:

■ I am in control

■ I am independent and strong enough

Affirmations for insecurities:

■ I am my own definition of beautiful

■ I am imperfectly perfect

■ I am powerful and can conquer anything

■ I am worthy and deserve happiness

Journal

How Do You Feel?

■ Step 1: Draw a horizontal line in the middle of your page.

■ Step 2: Start to reflect on your day.

■ Step 3: Write down the negative things you feel at that exact moment on the top half of the page.

■ Step 4: Write down the positive things you feel at that exact moment on the bottom half of the page.

This exercise will make you realize how much you feel and how much you are holding back. The writing will start to flow out and make you realize where you need to focus your energy on moving forward.

Talk to another adult

When your parents are not listening, it can be tough, which is understandable. But it is important to remember that other people in your life can help.

Here are some people you can consider talking to instead:

■ Teacher

■ High school guidance counsellor

■ Trusted family member

■ Trusted neighbour

■ Older sibling

■ Sports coach

This list may not work for everyone, as not everyone has such a vast support system. Utilize the people closest to you first and then make your way down. Also, ensure the person you tell can handle the information you tell them. For example, tell an adult or experienced peer. Telling someone about your issues can be vulnerable, so ensure you tell someone you trust.

Hotline resources

As a teenager, you may have limited resources, so it’s important to utilize any available resources when necessary.

TissuesBlog has a list of recommended hotlines; read this post to learn more. Mental Health Hotline for Teens | TissuesBlog.com

How do you feel now that you’ve read this blog? Feeling better? Feeling worse? Or are you feeling just about the same? Any of those feelings are correct. Learning about how to get help can either liberate or frighten you. It’s up to you to apply this knowledge to benefit you how you want. It can be difficult to navigate mental health issues without parental support, but you can do it, and you are not alone.

xoxo TissuesBlog