My mum won’t let me get medication

lilyflowerlove

I’ve been struggling with anxiety for about 3 years and it takes over my life more and more every day but my mum doesn’t realise how bad it is and she refuses to let me get medicated. How do I tell her that I really need it. I’m only 16 so I can’t get it myself.

Sophie_M

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing what you’re going through. Takes a lot of strength to speak up, especially when you’re feeling stuck and unsupported. Living with anxiety for such a long time is incredibly tough, and it makes sense that you’re hoping for more help.

Sometimes, parents don’t always see how much something is affecting us, especially when it comes to mental health. If you feel comfortable, you might try explaining to your mum how your anxiety is impacting things like your sleep, school, friendships, or just your day-to-day mood. You could also ask if you can talk with a GP together, sometimes hearing it from a doctor can make a big difference.

Since you’re 16, you may also be able to speak to a health professional on your own. A school counsellor or GP can help guide you and may not always need parental consent depending on your situation.

If things feel overwhelming, Kids Helpline is there for you 24/7 on 1800 55 1800, or via webchat at https://kidshelpline.com.au. They can talk things through and help you figure out next steps.

You’ve already done something really brave by sharing here. You’re not alone.

Take care,
Sophie M

therising

Hi lilyflowerlove

I'm wondering whether your mum has discussed alternatives to the medication or she's just left you with no way to manage everything that you're feeling run through your nervous system.

It's meant as a compliment when I say that this current generation that you and my kids are a part of is possibly the most sensitive generation to date. You can all sense or feel the need for positive and constructive change in many ways, sense the need for greater care and respect when it comes to the earth, sense the need for greater compassion, charity and so much more. While that's the up side when it comes to the ability to sense, there's definitely a down side that needs to be seriously managed at times. The ability to sense just about everything can be an enormous challenge when it comes to both the mind and body. It can put both under almost constant stress on occasions. I think one of the reasons my generation in general and those that came before me can't feel or sense as easily at times is based on us being desensitised to some degree. As I mention, this is a generalisation. There are a number of us out there who can be just as sensitive as the current generation in some ways.

Not sure if it will have any impact, when it comes to approaching your mum, but you could try putting the following spin on it: 'Mum, you know how I have the ability to sense so much, I just don't know how to manage that ability. I need help managing it. I need help in mastering it so that it doesn't impact me mentally and physically like it's currently doing'. In other words, you have an ability that no one's shown you how to master or manage. There's no instruction book and, given that fact, it's just not fair for anyone to say 'Work it out on your own without any guidance or way to manage it'.

Psychdiaries2

Hi there,

Just like the others on here, I’m curious if you have told your mum the details of your struggles. Perhaps she will be more understanding if she knows exactly what your experience with anxiety is. Also, if you are seeing your school psychologist or any therapist, then they may be able to talk to your mum and explain how the anxiety is impacting your life. Maybe she will be more open to the medication if she hears it explained by a professional first.

Is there something about the medication in particular that she is reluctant about? I know that older generations sometimes tend to be quite ignorant about mental health conditions and medical help. I hope that she does change her mind so you can have the best outcome and support you need.

Wishing you all the best. Keep reaching out on here, we are here to listen!