You wake up with a constant knot in your stomach. Things that used to bring you joy, don’t anymore. You find yourself slowly losing interest in most things around you. Feeling on the edge feels like the new normal.

If you’ve been feeling this way for a while, chances are you might find relief consulting a mental health professional. However, initiating such conversations with your family and loved ones can be a difficult ordeal. Especially in our society where such things are still considered taboo. These points may help you talk to your family about needing a therapist :

For a long time, I was unable to truly put words to what I had been feeling. And that’s all right, we’re not born with all the information and knowledge required to figure ourselves out. However, do remember that the internet is a double edged sword. While it may lead you to finding mental health providers accessible to you, browsing through a laundry list of symptoms can become a slippery slope to self diagnosis. Self diagnosis causes more harm than good.

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There is nothing wrong with asking for help, and you may have to remind that to yourself and your family. While they may offer consolation and comfort, therapy is more than just talking to any individual. Mental Health professionals are trained to handle specific issues. Emotional support from family is important, but it can't be a replacement for professional help. 

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We get overwhelmed trying to explain the inner workings of our mind to other people even during normal times, let alone in a situation where we find ourselves anxious, stressed and tense. Writing down your thoughts beforehand allows you enough time to revisit and recollect, ensuring you’re not missing out on any thing 

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Sit down with your family and explain to them what’s been happening with you. The numerous ways your poor mental health has been affecting your day to activities, whether it be school, college, office, interpersonal relationships or anything else. Give them specific instances if possible as it helps them visualise the change. 

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If you’ve been raised in a typical desi home, chances are you might need to have multiple discussions with them before they come around to understanding the gravity of your situation. In some situations, the discussions might get heated before you need to withdraw. But it’s important to keep trying. Parents are easier to convince when tensions are low and they’re in good moods, so consider bringing up the topic when the situation is placid. 

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Discussions around mental health need to be held with sensitivity and care. If things get heated up, chances are you’re not going to get the required result. But most importantly, never give up and keep trying at having this conversation. It took a long while before my family came around to the thought of me consulting a therapist as well. 

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