I don't have kids, and I am not married, but as far as the family that I grew up with, I only get a certain type of support. I can't talk to my mother about my mental health, and she is very blunt, not realizing how she can be hurtful. That being said, she is there for me in other ways. I'll talk to her about other things, so I try to accept her limitations. She does care, deep down, but I've faced challenges with her and still do. We are close though in other ways. It's just that in an era where there wasn't much awareness or acceptance of getting help, she just doesn't understand. It's very hard sometimes though, and I still have some mental scars. Although my dad is also there for me in certain ways, he is unable to be there on an emotional level. He is a poor communicator, although his heart is in the right place. I was never able to bring these kind of issues to him, since he doesn't understand and feels uncomfortable.

I recently revealed my issues to my brother, and he opened up about his mental health issues to me. He was supportive, but we have the kind of relationship where I have the role of being the one to give advice as the "big sister." I can't really go to him in the same way that he can come to me with a problem. One form of support: although my grandmother can't quite understand certain things, she is a good listener and very confidential. It means a lot to me.

Although I am thankful for their ability to give me support in other ways, I really wish I had the type of support I needed growing up. I'm coming to acceptance though.