Selfish

My parents call me selfish. I was bullied all through six grade and I got super anxious and depressed.  I couldn’t take it anymore so I tried to Kms. I went to the mental hospital. While I was there and when I got back I was called selfish MULTIPLE times. My two sibling also had some trouble and when they got the help they needed they were called selfish and dramatic a lot. My parents also don’t believe in mental health so we only get help AFTER it gets extreme. My anxiety has gotten so bad recently but I have no one to talk to and my depression is also so bad but I don’t want to be a burden.

Help Yourself

• Thank you for reaching out to us.  Please know that you never have to feel that you are being a burden when you’re trying to take care of yourself!
• It must be very difficult to try and navigate the kind of anxiety and depression that you’re expressing without feeling you have the support you need.  Lets try and help with that.
  • Whenever you feel like you’re going to hurt yourself, please stop yourself and immediately do one of the following
    • Go directly to an emergency room or walk in clinic and let them know how you’re feeling.  They can do an assessment there.
    • Contact the local authorities and let them know how you’re feeling.  They can assist you in getting the help you need.
    • Dial 9-8-8 and talk to someone on the Suicide Hotline about what you’re feeling.
  • All of these options are immediate and can help you keep yourself safe.
• Have you tried talking to someone at school such as a teacher or a guidance counselor?  Sometimes it helps to have someone in your corner that can help you find the supports you need when you’re having trouble finding them yourself.  It’s also helpful to have people who can encourage you through your issues and concerns.

Consider This

• You may want to try looking into areas/ places in your local community that you can go to meet new people and develop more social opportunities in your life outside of your home.
• Have you tried seeking out a counselor or therapist that you can talk to?  They may be able to help you talk with your family about your feelings as well.
• Have you ever thought about keeping a journal?  It’s a great, nonjudgmental place to express yourself without any fears of misunderstanding or guilt.  You can also reference things later if you need/want to.
• Keep fighting for yourself.  It’s not selfish, and not everyone understands.  It’s so much more difficult when it’s your own family, but you’re worth it!