How do i explain to my mom I want therapy?

[Lindsey14]

Its been on my mind a lot. There are reasons why i haven't asked. One is I'm afraid if the cost and don't want to add another bill on the table. Two my mom already has enough to stress about, (bills and family stuff and a few other things) without me adding on. And last my mom doesn't really know how bad I am cause I bottle up. And if I feel like if I told her I want therapy she would say it's just anxiety your fine or why am I not enough to help.

[EleanorRose]

This is tough but if you feel you need therapy, it’s a conversation you’re going to have to have. It might be a difficult conversation to begin with but will hopefully be worth it.

Don’t feel guilty about adding stress by asking for what you need. It’s a really courageous and important step in getting better; you will need to be brave but you can do it.

Sometimes it’s hard to explain anxiety to people who haven’t experienced it. Perhaps finding something online which explains how you feel which you can show to your mom might relieve you of some of the pressure of feeling like you have to explain.

[Lindsey14 in reply to EleanorRose]

I've been thinking of getting a job, think that could help far as cost

[EleanorRose in reply to Lindsey14]

That's definitely an option.

Talk to your mon and see what she says. If she's unsure, getting a job could definitely help with the cost. I'd advise against trying to see a therapist 'secretly' though, not suggesting you were going to do that, but I have done that and it's tough.

[Hidden]

I’ve been there before. It’s hard. A friend of mine calls it a double bind: both options may hurt. What you wrote here seems reasonable, level headed, and sincere. What if you wrote down your post and give it to your Mom?

[EleanorRose in reply to Hidden]

I think this is a good idea, too. I almost suggested it myself!

[Hidden in reply to EleanorRose]

I hope it goes well. And I’m proud of you for reaching out for help!

[TrustnGod]

Hello Lindsey14. I definitely think it’s a talk you need to have with your mom. My parents were against me going to therapy but after seeing how bad my anxiety and panic have gotten, they begged me to go to therapy. Id also research therapists around you and see how they work, especially with costs. I didn’t want to use my parents’ insurance so I found a therapist who works on what’s called a sliding scale. She basically charges based off of how much income I make so that I can afford it. I know you said you aren’t working but if you do start, that may be an option for you.

You’ve got this!

~Lia