How to talk to your parents about getting help

‘It’s just like having a hard time in math,' says Child Mind Institute psychologist Jerry Bubrick, PhD.

Pick a low-key moment. Talk when everyone is feeling comfortable as you don't want to be competing for their attention with other things or siblings.

Say what you're having trouble with, and how it's affecting you. For example, ‘I’m not feeling like myself these days. I’m tired all the time, and I don’t want do things after school. I feel sad all the time. I don’t feel right.'

Don’t get caught up trying to analyse or explain why you might be feeling this way. Just say, ‘I want to see someone who can help. I want to learn some strategies so I can start feeling better.'

Sometimes it takes parents a little time to get the message. Try setting aside time to talk, by saying ‘There’s something that I want to talk to you about, and it’s important. When are you going to be free to talk?'

Otherwise, going to another adult you can trust to help you talk to your parents can be helpful too.

The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll start feeling better, so don’t put the conversation off.