5 answers
🌧馨
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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Now whatPlease help me.?
Hello ,this is🌧馨. I'm15and I'm a junior middle school student. If I had some mental illness. My parents are my sister knew, but not much. And I don't want my parents and my sister know more about that. What need I do to help myself?
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
🌧馨,
You don't mention what state you live in.
Consent laws for mental health treatment vary by state. In most states, minors need parental or guardian consent. However, there are often exceptions for sensitive treatments, like mental health, that allow minors to consent at a younger age. For example, in California, minors who are 12 or older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment or counseling if their therapist believes they are mature enough to participate. The therapist should also consider whether the minor understands basic concepts like confidentiality and treatment goals. In some cases, minors may also be able to consent if a parent or guardian is unavailable and delaying treatment could harm the minor.
Even when minors are able to consent, their treatment should still involve their parents or guardians unless the therapist determines that it would be inappropriate. For example, the therapist should always speak with parents or guardians before making changes to treatment, like medication or the number of sessions.
If it's safe, minors can also try talking to their parents or guardians about what they're experiencing. If that's not an option, they can try reaching out to other trusted adults, like family, friends, teachers, counselors, faith leaders, coaches, or a pediatrician.
You don't mention what state you live in.
Consent laws for mental health treatment vary by state. In most states, minors need parental or guardian consent. However, there are often exceptions for sensitive treatments, like mental health, that allow minors to consent at a younger age. For example, in California, minors who are 12 or older can consent to outpatient mental health treatment or counseling if their therapist believes they are mature enough to participate. The therapist should also consider whether the minor understands basic concepts like confidentiality and treatment goals. In some cases, minors may also be able to consent if a parent or guardian is unavailable and delaying treatment could harm the minor.
Even when minors are able to consent, their treatment should still involve their parents or guardians unless the therapist determines that it would be inappropriate. For example, the therapist should always speak with parents or guardians before making changes to treatment, like medication or the number of sessions.
If it's safe, minors can also try talking to their parents or guardians about what they're experiencing. If that's not an option, they can try reaching out to other trusted adults, like family, friends, teachers, counselors, faith leaders, coaches, or a pediatrician.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
🌧馨
Thank You Kim. Your continuous support, encouragement, and guidance have helped me become a better mentor with CareerVillage.
Doc Frick
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
344
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Please think about which adult you know who you trust and respect. Then contact that person and share with them what you shared here. If no one comes to mind, consider a neighbor or you could stop into almost any church and talk to a pastor or minister just for direction.
Mental illness can be a slippery slope and you don't want to take a chance that it takes over you without your intending it to. Sending a prayer your way.
With every good wish!
Mental illness can be a slippery slope and you don't want to take a chance that it takes over you without your intending it to. Sending a prayer your way.
With every good wish!
Thanks for the help.
🌧馨
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
105
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Hello 🌧馨, honestly a lot happens during Junior High that makes this developmental period challenging! Hormonal changes, puberty, peer relationships, academic pressure, family expectations, and more. This is a time when mental health issues can really start to show up or worsen. You are not alone. I was your age when I began experiencing depression and other symptoms. While you may feel embarrassed, confused, or ashamed, it is important to get help. You can learn more about what is contributing to your distress and build solid coping skills that will last your lifetime. It took courage to ask this question; it shows you have an awareness you need more support. Support can take different forms. I hear you are not wanting to involve your family, yet sometimes this is necessary. Depending on your situation, it may be useful to have a mentor (other adult) step in to assist you in sharing such news. This way you are not doing it on your own. Alternatives may be talking with a school counselor, psychologist, teacher, coach, friend or friend's parent. If you attend a church, consider reaching out to the church leader or someone else you feel comfortable with for guidance. On your own, you can always strive for better mental health and do things that will be beneficial for your mood and wellbeing. But at your age being able to express what you are feeling is critical. If you do feel you are in crisis- feeling suicidal, like you want to hurt yourself- seek immediate help. Call emergency services or have someone you are with make the call. If you are not in crisis, seek to surround yourself with people and resources that are nurturing and knowledgeable about mental health. Start with one! Support groups can be great; your school may already have something in place. Whatever you decide, please take care and be safe. Getting a handle on this early is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow into the person you want to be! It is nothing to be ashamed about, but it is something to acknowledge and treat. We all as human beings have health problems (over time) that may be related to all kinds of capacities whether developmental, physical, cognitive, or emotional. We occupy bodies that sometimes break down or do not work in the way we want. We are emotional beings- we feel deeply and experience a whole range of emotions. But sometimes we get stuck in places- like feeling sad for long periods of time or feeling anger that begins to affect relationships. These are a few examples. It is okay to realize you are in such a place and need some tools and assistance moving forward. Not knowing more, I cannot provide specific advice. If you live in the US, there are several national (and per state) hotlines. Here are a few: NAMI teen and young adult helpline M-F 10-10 EST. Text Friend to 62640 or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or Teen Line 6pm-9pm PST at 1-800-852-8336 or text Teen to 839863. For immediate crisis help, dial 988. (available 24/7). I am confident you can begin to feel better!
Thank you for the advice.
🌧馨
Anthony Bates
1
Answer
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Sometime you have to be your own therapist. And you know what’s right for you but at the same time you have to talk to someone who relates to you. Talk to your parents or sister they’ll understand, make them understand.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
🌧馨
Anthony, thank you!
🌧馨
Sha Anyanga
Psychologist
21
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Sha’s Answer
Hallo, it's good you have considered that mental health matters to you. At least you have shared with your sister. If you don't feel free with your parents,you can ask your sister to go ahead of you by explaining to your parents, then might be they will involve. Just reassure yourself and stay calm knowing parents will play a huge role to your mental health, even when it comes to hospital billing and all that stuff.
Thank you!
🌧馨
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