When Alejandra, founder of Hiya, first told her mother that she was self-harming, she was terrified.
“I knew she was going to find out one way or another,” Alejandra, 14, said. “Why try to hide it? I know my mom loves me. I didn’t want to feel like I was lying to my mother so I had to be honest. I was hurting and didn’t know what to do.”
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 30% of teenagers experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Despite these alarming statistics, many teens still feel afraid to talk to their parents about their emotions.
Here are some ways that you can speak up and open up to your parents:
Have a safe person to talk to.
If you feel scared to talk to your parents about your emotions, consider talking to another trusted family member or a close friend. Having a safe person to talk to can help you process your feelings and provide you with the support that you need.
However, keep in mind that your parents love you and want to support you. If you're comfortable, try opening up to them.
“The only way you’re going to get help is if you speak up,” Alejandra Wells, founder of Hiya said. “Use your voice. If you think you need help, then you have to start talking.”
Remember, no one can help you if they don't know what's going on.
Know that your parents love you.
It can be challenging to open up to your parents about your emotions, but remember that they love you and want the best for you. They may not always understand what you're going through, but they will always be there to support you.
“No one is going to know how you feel if you don’t talk about it,” Alejandra said.
Be honest with yourself and your parents.
Being honest with yourself and your parents is essential. Take some time to reflect on how you're feeling and what you want to say. Be honest about what's been bothering you and how you've been feeling. This will help your parents understand what's going on and provide you with the support you need.
“Know that your parents love you,” Alejandra said. “My mom has been one of my biggest supporters. She helped me get the help I needed to work through my emotions.”
Get over your fear.
It's natural to feel scared when opening up about your emotions, but don't let fear hold you back. Speak up and use your voice. If you think you need help, you have to talk about it.
“If you feel scared to talk to your parent, don’t be they love you,” Alejandra explained. “Not all teens feel like the can talk to their parent. That’s a natural feeling. But you just have to do it.
It will feel like a relief when you do.
Opening up to your parents about your emotions may feel intimidating, but it can also feel like a relief. You're no longer holding on to your emotions, and you can begin to receive the support and guidance you need.
“It will feel like a relief when you do open up,” Alejandra said. “You’re no longer holding on to it. Just let it go.”
Opening up to your parents or a trusted adult about your emotions can be challenging, but it's necessary.
Remember that your parents love you and want to support you. Be honest with yourself and your parents, get over your fear, and it will feel like a relief when you do.
You have to speak up if you want to get help. Don't be afraid, use your voice, and let go of what's been bothering you.