Okay..this is titled..relationships and communication..and although this is not about a significant other..it's about my mother..and my situation that I need advice on.

When I was younger before my sister was born..I used to attend therapy..I don't remember what it was for..but I know I did..I guess I'd have to ask my mother about that. I have a few problems. My sister is mentally unstable. She's bipolar..autistic..and a few other psychological disorders. My mother..I believe her to be bipolar as well. She's not diagnosed but the way she treats me is enough proof for me to be careful with what I say or do. We sometimes get along and other times..not so much. But her and my sister go to therapy..and my sister's additional therapeutic schooling costs a lot..because she is also a truant..and refuses to attend the regular school. With all of my sister's mess..social workers galore..cops..case workers..DYFS..the whole nine yards..my mom never really understands why I come to her when I need help. She tells me that I'm old enough to just "deal with it." That my situation isn't important because she doesn't need additional stress added onto her..she "already has enough with my sister."

I can be very reserved and shy..but I feel like when I do try and talk to her about something it's overlooked..and almost laughed at. For example...if I feel sick and say I need to see a doctor..she says it's probably just allergies and not to worry about it..when in reality I had strep throat or the flu. Because of these moments in my life where I almost feel rejected by her when I have sought help..it has made me hesitate with what I most need..

I think I need therapy..really bad.. I need someone to talk to about my problems and concerns about myself who will believe me and not think I'm fabricating things just to "get attention."

My question..if any of you read this far down..is how to approach my mother to ask for this help.. my mother does not know I have repressed memories of sexual abuse..my mother does not know I suffer from constant nightmares..and my mother does not know that I have experienced night terrors. My mother is the kind of woman to think that I am the kind of girl that thinks there is "always something wrong with me." I just don't know how to approach her to ask for help...I feel like she's just going to push me aside like she always does and say that financially we can't afford to help you right now. God bless whoever replies to this...