[me05]

I am wondering if anybody can help me...
I will be 18 very soon. And I need help. I've been depressed with an eating disorder for a very long time. I talk to a guidance counselor at school but I hardly tell her anything... It is just for emotional support I guess. After a suicide attempt about 6 years ago, I was taken to a dr and was referred to a therapist. I was never taken there. Since then I have asked my parents twice for therapy and I am just ignored... My question is, now that I will be 18, does anything change? Can I go myself without them getting involved? I don't know... I just really don't think I can wait very much longer....

[Ascension]

As far as I know yes, you can seek treatment. Find a way to see a doctor, tell them as much of your history as you can and if not tell them that "It's so bad I don't know what I feel or how to say it." I am sorry your family hasn't been more supportive but sometimes people just don't understand or relate to serious emotional concerns. I am glad you reached here and it's a good start. Stay safe.

[lonegael]

Absolutely, you should go. If you need to go before then, then try to see if your school has a counselor or your church's pastor might be willing to talk to you. They won't be able to do the heavy work, but at least you will have someone to go to and talk about your problems. Hang in there, and I'm sorry your parents don't seem to get it. HUGGGSSSS

[crystalrose]

you should be able to get a referral to a counselor from your high school counselor or go see a dr. Where I live they have special services for young people who need help and they are usually free. You could search on google for youth help or youth counseling ... then write your area/city. See what comes up, or you could call a counseling line in your city and ask for free service or confidential service.

if you have insurance on your parents you might be able to get a psychologist or other type of therapist that your parents may help you pay for.

you don't need there permission they probably just feel bad when you have problems and try to blame themselves,

[Stranger2]

If your eighteen then you are considered an adult so you can seek a therapist on your own..Alot of them work on sliding pay scales..I wish you luck..

If you live in the US, you may be able to get some answers from your local NAMI: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?sec...our_local_nami

[turquoisesea]

Yes you can go. The issue is money and insurance. Do you have your own insurance card/do you have insurance - make sure you have access to all teh information any doctors office would need. The cost of hte actual appointment you'll have to find out about and find a source for the money.

Have you considered "faking sick" or.... saying you need to go to the doctor, or is your physical anytime soon? Your primary care doctor might be able to give you better references and advice, and it would seem "normal" to your parents.