Here’s the situation:
I’ve been planning something for over a year that I really think will help me find myself and become a better person. I call it SWEP—Summer Wilderness Escape Plan. I’ve got supplies and locations and I really want to spend a few weeks alone in the wilderness. I do have experience hiking and backpacking and know all the rules and feel that I’m prepared. I think this is something that will benefit me. I’m 19 years old and a girl.

As the summer nears, I feel myself beginning to chicken out. I really want to tell someone and the most obvious person would be the college counselor I’ve been seeing for depression and other issues. However, I don’t want her to talk me out of it or see it as a suicide plan. I also don’t want her to worry because what I’m planning is dangerous to the point of recklessness.

This is not something I can tell my parents and I don’t have friends I can confide in. I feel really sick about lying. I’m going to have to lie to my parents and say I got a summer job or something out of town and then lie again about why I can’t call them every so often. They’re very protective and quite strict, even though I am technically an adult.

Please tell me what you think—advice or comments of any kind are welcome. Thank you.