[henrydavidtherobot]

I love my dad and stepmom, but they can be so invalidating of my feelings at times and it is so frustrating. They are the type of people who will yell "You just need to relax" and don't really believe in mental disorders. The only thing I have been able to be open with them about is my anxiety. I keep subtly trying though, because I want and need support from them.

Anyway, I was open about my fears regarding moving to China and now my dad is all like, "You better not be just going for 3 months. I mean, I guess it's one thing if it's really awful but you better be into it. I guess you don't have to stay the whole year, but it better be more than a few months." I plan on staying the whole time, but it would be less stressful if I felt that I didn't have to.

He also blew off my anxiety and compared me to my mom (she has Major Depression and milks it and doesn't always try hard enough). He thinks that anxiety is a young adulthood thing and that since he hasn't had a panic attack in 20 years, that is proof. I love him to death, but I wish that he could be more supportive.

Whenever I try to talk to my dad or stepmom about how I feel, they invalidate my feelings and tell me ho I should feel. I've been very open about the emotions that I will go through a I move, but they just say that I won't. I want them to be there if I need to log onto Skype and cry instead of giving me **** for it.

I don't need to give my dad a crash course in mental health or anything, but how can I slowly help him understand the importance of emotional validation?

[NWgirl2013]

Can you just say those things? Like, 'I fully intend to honor this commitment and will do everything in my power to make this a good experience, but...'

'I need to know I can call and you won't give me crap when I have a bad day.'

'This is going to be really hard and I need to know you will understand that, empathize and give me encouragement.'

'I need to know I can lean on you emotionally sometimes. Not all the time, but when I really need it, will you be there for me? '

I wish you only the very best as you embrace this exciting/scary/wonderful new adventure....

[henrydavidtherobot]

I can try over time.

[greentires4me]

I bring a ball and get them to catchball...until they get

[henrydavidtherobot]

Well, I live on the other side of the state so ...