[antisocialbutterfly]

When I first asked my mum about seeking help, I was looking for a place to get a diagnosis that would help the psychologist/GP/counsellor/psychiatrist understand what they needed to do in order to help me (so far, the idea is just anxiety and depression).

My mum only wants me to see psychologists, but it's not helping me and I'm not getting better and I still have questions about what is really wrong with me. I want to see a psychiatrist but my mum thinks they're just going to put me on medication (she's quite anti-medication + religious so she thinks a simple prayer is just going to make it better - I am a believer but I draw a fine line between my faith and medical help).

If it's what helps me, then I want it, my mum thinks I'll just end up too dependant on them and they're just 'happy pills' or 'something to get high on' which annoys me because not all meds are like that, especially if you're on the RIGHT meds.

On top of that, the only psychologists she wants me to see are doctors who have a Christian faith (again, I draw a fine line between faith and medical help - If I want to talk faith, I'll talk to someone at church or a friend, not in a doctors office). And to make it even worse, I seriously need to talk about my sexuality (I'm still in the closet) to someone because it is the main reason I am feeling down all the time and I don't want to talk about that to someone who might be against the LGBT community (including my anti-gay mother).

The GP even tried convincing my mother about seeing a psychiatrist, she's Christian too but not anti-meds and I don't know how I should bring up sexuality with her to see if she's with or against or is just not going to judge me regardless.

I just feel really stuck and I don't know what to do.

[HazelGirl]

Oh no. That sounds like such a difficult situation! I am so sorry. I don't really have any words of advice, just compassion for how tough that must be.

[RTerroni]

See whoever you want to see

[Victoria'smom]

Ask your psychologist to do a full psych evaluation. Also ask his/her feelings on sexuality.

[antisocialbutterfly]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Ask your psychologist to do a full psych evaluation. Also ask his/her feelings on sexuality.

I already know my psychologists view on sexuality, because I told her the time when I was bullied I was called a lesbian (who knew that would come true) and her reaction was "I feel filthy even saying that word." So yeah, don't plan on coming out to her anytime soon.

[nottrustin]

I am sorry you are going through this. It is so hard when our loved ones just don't seem to understand and believe it is all about faith. I am Catholic and believe in the power of prayer. HOWEVER, I also believe that we have medications for a reason. If you had severe asthma and required medication to breath would she insist on you just using prayer rather than medication? How about cancer? Would she insist on no medications but you could see a cancer doctor but only Drs with her religious faith and no medications?? What if the absolute best doctor for your situation were not religious at all. Would she turn away the doctor who gave you the best possible option of survival because of different beliefs? Mental health IS a medical situation that is treated the same way is other medical conditions. Left untreated or even mistreated depression is life altering and can be fatal.

[BrokenGirl22]

Is there any reason you can't make your own decision about what's best for you? It's hard when everyone seems against you but, even if you are a minor, you are old enough to be listened to. Alternatively can you not print out your post and show them to your mum/GP?

[taylor43]

I am a believer too! But medication can help and there is nothing wrong with seeing a psychiatrist. Im sorry your Mom is that way. Hopefully your psychologist can get you to see one.

[nottrustin]

Antisocialbutterfly (ps my daughter had/has that nickname)....are you a minor??

[antisocialbutterfly]

Originally Posted by nottrustin

Antisocialbutterfly (ps my daughter had/has that nickname)....are you a minor??

I'm 17, so yes, but even my GP says I'm at the age where I can make my own decisions. It's just difficult when you are living under a roof where the parents are the ones who have more authority than you. I just can't wait till I move out of home.

[antisocialbutterfly]

Originally Posted by BrokenGirl22

Is there any reason you can't make your own decision about what's best for you? It's hard when everyone seems against you but, even if you are a minor, you are old enough to be listened to. Alternatively can you not print out your post and show them to your mum/GP?

Well I wouldn't want to show it to my mother, considering she's homophobic and so's my psychologist. I'm unsure about my GP, she's Christian too but she might not be against it or at least have respect for me. It's just really frustrating when you don't know who's against it and who's not.

[nottrustin]

I agree you are old enough to make your decisions but at least in the US you legally can't make the choices. It stinks. you are a very smart girl to know at such a young age you need help and what you want and don't want. My daughter is also 17 and recently was diagnosed with depression. As a mom it is painful but not the time to bury your head in the sand. Hugs...

Originally Posted by antisocialbutterfly

I'm 17, so yes, but even my GP says I'm at the age where I can make my own decisions. It's just difficult when you are living under a roof where the parents are the ones who have more authority than you. I just can't wait till I move out of home.

Not legally unless you are an emancipated minor, and as long as your parents are paying for you medical care and insurance, they'll probably have a strong say in your decisions because they have to sign off on it until you reach majority. Yes, you can make decisions theoretically, but not really legally, at least not in the US.