When it comes to getting help for mental health issues, it can be challenging for young adults. Unfortunately, many young adults never get the help they need for mental health issues due to a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons young adults don’t get help is the fear and challenges they face with opening up to their parents about getting help. Therapy and other treatment services are effective in providing the support, guidance, and knowledge that young adults living with mental health issues need to go on to live healthy, adult lives. However, first, it can be helpful for young adults to know the best way to address getting help through therapy and treatment with their parents. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to talk to parents as young adults living with mental health issues about getting help through therapy or other treatment services. This way, young adults can feel more comfortable going to their parents for help with mental health issues.

Make Time for the Right Moment

It’s helpful to plan for the right moment to talk to your parents or guardians about getting help with mental health. In many situations, it may feel like a good time to bring up help when you’ve had a mental health crisis like a big fight, a panic attack, or a depressive episode. However, these moments may not be optimal as emotions may still be running high and you or your parents may say something you don’t really mean due to the stress of the moment. However, if you plan to have this conversation at a specific time, you can guide the conversation in the best way possible. And, ensure that everyone is in the best mindset to overcome possible issues and come to the right solution when it comes to mental health care.

Determine What you Want to Address Beforehand

Along with planning a specific time to talk to your parents about mental health care and treatment options, it can also be helpful to plan what you want to say and address during this conversation. You can start by writing down things that you’re experiencing like symptoms of mental health issues. And, the treatments you think you may be willing to explore including therapy options, medications, etc. Furthermore, you can address how symptoms of mental health issues are impacting your daily life including your relationships, your schooling, your job, and more. This way, your parents can better understand what you’re going through on a personal level and have the information they need to better understand why help may be necessary.

Think About Your Parents’ Responses and Determine How to Address Them

Likely, your parents may have some questions and concerns about what you’re experiencing and getting help through treatment. But, if you aren’t prepared to address these questions and concerns, it may become overwhelming on the spot. So, it can be helpful to write and prepare for some of these questions and concerns beforehand. For instance, if your parents suggest that what you’re experiencing is just an issue of will or determination, you can be prepared to combat these concerns with real-life statistics or examples of symptoms you’re experiencing that pair with mental health issues. Or, if your parents think that therapy isn’t helpful or even a sham, you can be prepared with information and reports that prove otherwise. In any case, it’s better to be prepared to address these questions and concerns during this conversation than not so that you can get to the true objective – getting the help you need.

Help for Young Adults Living with Mental Health Issues at Yellowbrick

Whether you’re planning to speak with your parents about getting mental health help or you have already had this conversation with your parents, it can be a good idea to search for help that’s right for you. Yellowbrick offers specialized mental health care for young adults. We provide outpatient programs so that young adults can continue with their daily responsibilities while getting the help they need. And, even offer a residential living program for young adults who can benefit from a supportive, encouraging environment. Find out more about our programs and services on our website.