I know this is long, but I think I need help. Someone please read

Thanks in advance to anyone who actually takes the time out to read this through and help me 🙂

I think talking to a therapist would be great for you because they cannot talk with anyone about what you talk to them about

Good evening @keltothemoon. Manni.....those 3 items were for you to complete. And you did a great job. You want a diagnosis, stability and a supportive environment from your family. And I need to explain to you what a therapy team does. First.....Mayo Clinic is the forerunner of working in teams so that everything needed to be understood is shared by all of the clinicians involved. In a normal environment.....you would have a psychiatrist, a therapist and someone who advises and works on your exercise and body health routine. Or something close to that. Notice that you knew the answers and just had not responded on your own.

Do you live in a city? A rural area? That can help determine ways in which a treatment program can be put together for you. And now for my last inquiry for the evening.......do you know about Rogers Behavioral Health? If you wouldn’t mind....take a look at its purpose and its programs. I have been to the one in Wisconsin. At your age.....it might have appropriate support systems that will work including financial assistance.

Let me know what you think.

I like your idea of a written introduction to your family. As you discuss, you can then make up a list of questions or issues that need answers if available.

The other item I am noticing is fear. You need some positive responses about your concerns to become a tad bit more confident. You don’t have to do everything at once......you just need to have a plan that moves you forward.

‘Night........I applaud your efforts and feel that you know more than you think you do. You just need us to help you with the “lingo”.

May you have a lovely sleep and wake to a day of comfort and ease.
Chris

@keltothemoon I'm glad you feel supported and I think it is commendable for you to recognize you need help. There is such stigma around mental health but a mental health issue is the same as having any other medical issue. There is a lack of understanding regarding mental health. I think it's important for you to know that many successful people receive mental health treatment and most of the symptoms that you speak of are likely extremely treatable through a medication and therapy combination. (Side note- Did you know our second president John Adams likely had bipolar disorder?) Early intervention is key in the treatment of mental health. What this means is that the earlier you receive treatment the more likely the treatment will successfully manage your symptoms.

How does an 18-year-old get mental health treatment when he is dependent? Well, this can be tricky. I hope that I am not too directive and forgive me if I am. I get the feeling you are wanting practical answers to your questions.

I'm assuming you are under your parents' insurance? I think the first step may be to go to your primary care and tell them your symptoms, your concerns regarding your family member's response, and that you feel you need help. Do you have a primary care provider established as an adult yet? You could schedule this appointment as your yearly physical or something. I know it's hard but try to be honest with them at the appointment. They see this kind of thing multiple times per day.

The primary care provider will most likely give your a referral for a therapist and/or discuss medication. They could also refer you to a psychiatrist. Do you think maybe your parents would feel differently if a professional felt this concern should be addressed?

You should know that despite your being on your parents' insurance, they do not have access to your mental health treatment notes. They will have access to the bills and EOB. That is why this is tricky.

There are places that offer free and cheap mental health services, not related to your medical insurance. Often your local county Health and Human Services Department will offer these kinds of resources and/or direct you to other resources. You can also google mental health resource hotline. (Do they call it a hotline anymore?) You will likely find multiple resources in your area.

I know this is difficult but you seem extremely intelligent, proactive, and savvy regarding the utilization of resources. As I said, forgive me if I was too directive.

Take care,
Erika

Hi Manni. I'm so sorry you're going through this. My daughter is too, and I know how scary and depressing it can be. I agree with everyone else; find a therapist. It won't happen overnight; it's a process and like you've already experienced, it comes and goes. So go talk to one, and know that you may have to go back again at a later time. God Bless You!! I'll be praying for you!

@keltothemoon You are awesome! You have expressed to us what so many young people go through. You have the insight to be reaching out for help, which is the first step towards feeling/getting better.

A couple of things to consider as you start along this path you have opened up for yourself. If it sounds like I am rambling, it is because my mind is charging ahead faster that my typing speed LOL Rule out any physical issues. Are you on any medications? Aim for a good physical exam to establish that there are no organic issues at play here. And while you are there, open up to the dr about your concerns. Remember, as a young man, you still have hormones laying foundation in your body, and that may contribute to your symptoms. Understandably, at this age, you are worried/concerned/ excited about where you will be heading after high school, and choices to be made. Like @artscaping, I am old too, but I can still recall the sea of possibilities and OMG! how do I make a decision? Where is that crystal ball so I can see what is the right path so I do not fail. You see, the pressure we and society put on us to succeed can be so great, we buckle under it.

Okay. Now, as far as telling your parents. You will make the right decision on the "how" you tell them. But it is important that you do tell them, and ask for their support. You have a group here on Mayo Connect to support you through this, but you also need live in-person support from family and friends. You may choose to be selective who you share with, because you don't want to "outed" for seeking help. I watched a show produced by NBC Sports about athletes and mental challenges; go to nbcsports.com and put in headstrong in their search bar. Being an athlete with challenges of any kind, physical or emotional/mental is not the stigma it once was.

You could choose to share your postings here, and all the responses you have received, with your folks. They will see there are many ready to jump in and applaud your desire for help, that what you are going through is not unusual. If they do not have much experience in how to accept/understand mental health treatment, this may help educate them. Let us know what you decide, and how we can help further.

Sorry for the long response!
Ginger

@keltothemoon Manni...I applaud you in reaching out to get help. In the beginning it is a bit confusing and overwhelming in trying to get information especially when one has more questions than answers, but I have found Mayo Connect to be great resource and people here are so understanding. As one who has great bouts of depression and diagnosed as bipolar, I need to remind myself to be kind to oneself.
Sending prayer, blessings n hugs your way.🙇