I wish my mum could understand my anxiety

[Ashhh]

Being 18 & in my last year of school, the stress of trials & my HSC is really weighing on me.

A few days ago, I was recently diagnosed with anxiety. I always knew I had it, just needed to know for sure. I told my mum about it, but I don't think she really understands what it is or how it's affecting me everyday. There are days where I feel like just crawling under a rock and never coming out, but she thinks it's be just being dramatic or being lazy. I want to explain to her, but I can't help but feel like she'll just think I'm lying. My anxiety has affected my school attendance the most, and I think that is the hardest thing to build the courage to talk to my mum about, because she knows there is nothing to do besides just sucking it up & going, and I feel like that's how she's going to respond, rather than talking to me and trying to understand how I'm feeling and how it affects me. How to I talk to her or bring up the conversation, without making her think I'm being dramatic or lazy? How do I get her to try & understand where I'm coming from? Please help.

[Zeal]

Hi Ash,

Welcome to the forum!

The final year of school is stressful, and having anxiety compounds that. Good on you for seeking help and getting a diagnosis. I am glad you would like to communicate openly with your Mum.

On the top blue menu bar, go to The facts, then Anxiety. There is great info here that your Mum can read.

These two sites provide tips on talking about mental illness:

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-13/mental-health-conditions-in-young-people/anxiety

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/have-the-conversation/talk-about-it​

I hope this information is useful for you 🙂

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

SM

[blondguy]

Hello Ashhh

Welcome to the forums

You have great strength to have reached out and posted, good on you!

I have had anxiety and its a dreadful condition to have. I see its also effecting your attendance too. Being your final year I hope you can some some peace without anxiety Ashhh.

If you scroll down the page you will see 'Supporting Someone' If you copy and paste the info and leave it for your mum to read. Its in plain english and the 'just get over it' words arent used as its a recognized medical condition

Also below is the header 'The Facts'.....click on Anxiety and there is some great material that you could paste and print out for your mum.

Also your GP can be a great way to deal with the anxiety symptoms too. Anxiety symptoms do lessen in severity over time but with the responsibilities you have this years seeing your doc will help you cope and lessen the anxiety even quicker.

There are many super kind people on the forums that can be here for you Ash, you are more than welcome to post back as many times as you wish

My kind thoughts for you

Paul

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Ashhh,

Thanks for reaching out! There's been some great replies here. Have you had a chance to read them? I often find that sometimes people have a lot of trouble trying to understand anxiety. I know my parents never really understood me when I was going through anxiety and depression. They grew up in a time where mental health wasn't really 'talked about', so trying to help them understand and change their mindset is a big deal. Resources are always super helpful, but I think the most important thing is just to be honest and upfront; tell her like you would tell your friend - or teacher. She may not even know that you're struggling. If she doesn't react well, that's okay too - it may take time for her to understand it, but I'm sure she will want to support you anyway that she can.

[Narniakid]

Hey Ashhh, welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out to us.

Unfortunately, despite mental health awareness, a lot of parents still aren't fully aware of the signs and the potential effects of anxiety. The best thing you can do is open up to your mother. Be honest, speak your mind, and consider writing a letter or some dots points. I find that sometimes, in the moment, I cannot find the right words to express what I'm trying to say, so I'll write a letter beforehand.

Ask your mum if she'll accompany you to your GP for a professional diagnosis - perhaps the opinion from a doctor she trusts will help her understand how you're feeling and what you're going through.

Let me know how it goes!

Crystal