I Want Help But I Don't Want To Involve My Parents

[Parrot1693]

i am a teenager with massive anxiety. my parents are aware i have anxiety but the extreme is hidden from them since i don't show it or i stay away from people when i'm experiencing it. i want to get helped but i don't want my parents to get involved any ideas?

[BlueSky125]

Mostly all of the techniques that therapists use are available in books and online. You could look up information on therapies like cbt, dbt or act. I’ve never been a fan of cbt, it treats negative thinking , worrying etc as a cause of anxiety and depression. They are really just symptoms. I would suggest looking into the idea of distress tolerance that is part of dbt therapy as a starting point. Distress tolerance skills are a set of tools that help you manage more intense emotional states like a panic attack for example.

[Mary-intussuception]

If you see your doctor, that will be confidential won't it ? Not allowed to tell your parents without your consent ?

[pink318]

Hi- If you don’t want to involve your parents, I would suggest that you always connect with your therapists to help you with your anxiety. You can also seek advice from spiritual leaders, try to connect with your local church. Online groups like this are very helpful so please feel free to share your feelings. It will be a big help so you can release what you are going through even if it’s just a vent or you need encouragement.

I have a sister who was diagnosed with anxiety but she refused treatments. Me and my other sisters are her support group. I intentionally connect with her everyday, talk about anything to let her know she’s not alone. It’s a big help when you have someone to walk with you on your journey. My sister has a life group that she meets once a week online. She has dogs, she volunteers and I can see that her mood is improving.

I hope you will get the support you need to feel better each day. But please don’t walk through it alone, we are here for you. Keep us posted. May you be surrounded with God’s peace and strength. Take care.