Dear Alen,
Crap, I don't know how to start this. Well, these past couple months, I've been feeling . . . depressed, I guess. Some days, I feel like screaming my head off, others I feel tired and don't want to talk to anyone, then there are days when I just don't want to wake up. I've tried telling my mom, the only person I trust, how I feel so . . . empty, but all she says is, "You have no reason to feel like that, so it's not true." I don't know if someone's asked this, but, how can I get my mom to listen? To understand what I'm feeling is real and I want help, before I do something I regret? With lots of love and hope, AB.
Hi, AB!
You must be going through something, or there is something horrible going in your mind from your past, or something. This happened to me before, and the only way I got my grandmother to listen was to ask her if I could get a therapist.
You can ask other people for help for your mother to see that you actually were telling her how you feel, that it's possible to feel that way. Let her in on what you're going through, not just what you're doing. There must be something that's going on to get you feeling like this, am I correct?
Let your mom know if she can just listen. You guys sounds really close, after all. Just tell her that she doesn't have to believe you, but you need her to listen. After you tell her, let her know that you need help.
Honestly, I'm proud of you. You looked for help when you know you needed someone, and that's one step closer to getting better. I suggest you throw everything that can harm you, or keep them in a place you know you'll never check.
You see, I've cut myself. I've tried to hang myself. I've tried everything to end my life, but they never worked. Fortunately for me, I looked for help, and now I'm getting better. Or at least, getting there. But, I'm telling you right now, harming yourself would not work. You'll be too ashamed to let your mom know about it, and everyone else. Believe me.
So, please do the world a favor and keep yourself safe. Next, ask for help. Maybe someone who is more experienced and professional, not like me. But, the only thing I can tell you is:
To just ask your mom to listen, tell her she doesn't need to believe it. Then ask her if you can maybe get a therapist. If she doesn't allow it, tell her you need her more than ever.
She loves you, she'll listen. All you need to do is ask.
You're brave; I admire you.
xo, alen.
