How to Ask Your Parents to Take You to a Psychiatrist

Having a frank discussion with your parents about the state of your mental health can be extremely difficult. You may feel awkward, nervous or worried about how they will respond. However, if you believe that you are experiencing mental or emotional difficulties, asking for your parents' support and assistance in seeking treatment is one of the most important steps you can take. Remember that your parents want the best for you and will probably respond with concern, understanding and a desire to help.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for the conversation by listing specific feelings, behaviors or events that make you believe you need psychiatric care. For example: "Last week I was so overwhelmed by my schoolwork that I broke down crying three different times. I feel that I am stupid."

• 2

  Jot down some of the ways that you believe psychiatric care could benefit you. This might include being medicated, having someone to talk to, learning stress management, developing positive emotional patterns or establishing healthy behaviors.

• 3

  Think about what you want to say to your parents. Imagine speaking to them in a calm, polite tone.

• 4

  Drop a hint at least three hours before you talk with your parents so that they won't be caught totally off-guard. For example, you could say, "Hey mom, I really need to talk with you and dad about something important after dinner tonight."

• 5

  Take ten minutes to relax before approaching your parents. If you come off as nervous, agitated, accusatory or defensive, the conversation will not be as productive.

• 6

  Explain to your parents that you have been struggling with your mental health. Use specific examples to illustrate why you are concerned. If you have to, pull out the list that you made earlier. Keep your voice calm and respectful.

• 7

  Allow your parents to ask questions and respond to what you are saying. Remain calm and do not get defensive.

• 8

  Explain to your parents that you believe that you could benefit from psychiatric care. Using a calm, respectful tone, tell them exactly what you hope to get out of therapy. Refer to the list you made if necessary.

• 9

  Allow your parents to ask any questions that they may still have. Explore issues, feelings and concerns. Help them to understand what you are saying as much as possible.

• 10

  Move the conversation toward problem-solving by asking, "So, where do we go from here?" Your parents may feel confident about how they should respond right away and start brainstorming therapy options. However, they could also be overwhelmed and unready to discuss psychiatric care. If this is the case, give them space by saying, "I know this is a lot to take in. I'll give you some time to think about this and we can come back to it later."

• 11

  Establish a plan for finding, choosing and working with a psychiatrist. This step should only occur when both you and your parents are ready. Although it can take place at the same time as the rest of the discussion, delaying it for several days is also a viable option.