“I Don’t Think They’ll Understand”: How to Ask for Support (Even If It Feels Awkward)
Let’s be real:
Talking about your mental health can feel… weird.
Maybe even impossible.
Especially when you’re not even sure what you’re feeling, or when adults say things like “What’s wrong with you?” or “Just try harder.”
You might be thinking:
“I don’t want to make it a big deal.”
“What if I’m overreacting?”
“I don’t even know how to explain it.”
“They won’t get it anyway.”
And yet—something inside you might be whispering: “I kind of need help.”
This post is for you. To remind you that you’re not alone, that what you’re feeling matters, and that there are ways to talk about it without it becoming a big, dramatic thing.
🧠 First of all: Your feelings are real
Yes, even if you can’t explain them.
Yes, even if no one else sees what you’re going through.
Yes, even if some days you’re “fine” and other days everything feels too heavy.
Your mental health matters. Struggling doesn’t make you weak, dramatic, or broken. It just makes you human.
🚧 So… why is it so hard to talk about?
There are lots of reasons. You might:
Not want to worry or disappoint someone
Feel like no one would really understand
Be scared of being judged or told to “get over it”
Not even know where to start
Plus, let’s be honest—adults don’t always make it easy.
Some might panic. Others might brush it off. Some just don’t know how to respond, even if they care.
But here’s the thing: you’re still allowed to speak up. And you deserve support that helps.
✨ How to bring it up (without it feeling like a huge deal)
You don’t have to pour your heart out in one big talk. You can start small, in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.
Here are a few ideas:
💬 Text it
Sometimes writing it is easier than saying it.
“Hey… I’ve been feeling really off lately. Not sure what’s going on, but I think I might need to talk to someone.”
“I’m kinda overwhelmed and don’t know how to handle it. Can we talk later?”
🗣️ Say it in passing
You don’t have to schedule a Big Serious Talk. You could say something while driving, cooking, or walking the dog.
“Lately things have just felt kinda heavy. I don’t really know why, but I wanted to say something.”
“I’ve been really stressed out and not sleeping well. I think it’s more than just school stuff.”
📝 Write it down
If talking feels too intense, write a note, journal entry, or letter. Hand it to someone you trust or leave it where they’ll find it.
The goal isn’t to have it all figured out. It’s just to open the door a crack.
🧭 Who can I talk to?
Start with someone who feels safe. That could be:
A parent or caregiver
A teacher or guidance counsellor
A coach, mentor, or trusted adult
A therapist (yes, they’re not just for “serious” stuff!)
A friend—if you want support in telling an adult
You get to choose who and how. You don’t have to tell everyone. And if the first person doesn’t respond the way you need? That’s not your fault. Try again with someone else.
💡 You can ask for support, not just advice
Sometimes people rush to fix things—but what you might really need is someone to just listen.
Try saying:
“I don’t need solutions—I just need you to hear me.”
“Can I talk and you just listen for a bit?”
“I’m not looking for advice right now. Just support.”
You’re allowed to say what you need. That’s not rude—it’s brave and honest.
🛠️ What kind of support is out there?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are some options you might explore:
Therapy or counselling
A space where you can talk things through with someone trained to help. Totally confidential (unless your safety is at risk).Mental health apps
Like MindShift, Youper, or Calm—great for learning coping skills, managing anxiety, or tracking your mood.Peer support or online chats
Sometimes talking to someone your own age (who gets it) helps. Just make sure it’s a safe, moderated space.Parent support (with your permission)
If you want your parent to help but don’t want them constantly checking in, you can set boundaries. Try:
“It helps when you ask how I’m doing, but not every day.”
“I’ll come to you when I’m ready—thanks for being there.”
💬 Final thoughts
You don’t have to be at your lowest to ask for help.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You don’t have to be “bad enough” to deserve support.
If something feels off, heavy, or confusing inside—you’re allowed to say something.
It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. And asking for help? That’s strength.
📩 If you ever want to talk to someone outside of your family, therapy might be a good option. You don’t have to go alone—your caregiver can help you find someone who’s a good fit. If you’re not sure how to bring it up, feel free to show them this post or ask them to read it with you.
You’re not alone. You matter. And help is always within reach.