I have had a lot of difficulty trying to convince my parents to get me help over the years.

I’ve had an eating disorder off and on since I was 12 that has become much worse in the last year and a half. My social anxiety and depression have been so debilitating that I cannot leave my home—I even missed my own high school graduation because of this.

Yet, my parents have not noticed or simply ignored any peculiarities in my behavior. It was difficult, but I finally got up the nerve to ask my parents for help. Instead, my mom decided to relay my mental problems to my friends and family and turn around and tell me that she doesn’t have enough money to let me see a psychiatrist.

I understand my family’s financial problems, but I can’t help but feel insulted when she is willing to take our decrepit cat to the vet because of a sprained leg but is so reluctant to pay for my treatment. I had to get a teacher, my GP, and my T (who I see for free through my mom’s work) to finally convince my mom to make an appointment.

Luckily, I’ll be turning 18 in August and can avoid this obstacle.