Teen To Teen is a series of blogs written by teen authors for teens on topics that matter most to them. Please Note: “Teen to Teen” should be considered peer to peer advice and support. It is not given in place of professional consult or care.
Some people naturally struggle with reaching out and asking for help. I should know; I am one of them. The truth is, it’s hard to ask for help. While I can’t say I’ve completed a journey of discovery to find myself and have finally moved past this issue, I am proud to say I’m working on it. While I’ve made improvements, I know I have a long way to go, and I know other teenagers like me also struggle.
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For me, I know what I want to say, but when it comes to communicating with my parents, I always seem to choke. It can be nerve-wracking, terrifying, and even physically difficult to tell them what’s on my mind. One of the hardest parts of doing so is forcing myself to build up the confidence to speak up and communicate my needs.
Other times I am too stubborn to ask for help. I always felt like if I asked them for help, then I would never be good enough to do anything on my own. Even now, I want to prove that I am capable of independence.
But as the saying goes, if there’s a will, there’s a way. There are many ways you can reach out and ask for help. Sometimes it can even be in the unlikely of places.
Never Be Afraid Of Going To Therapy Or Talking With Those You Trust
Therapy can be a great way to talk about what is going on in your life and how you feel. It can provide a safe space to open up and receive professional feedback, insight, and guidance.
If talking to a stranger is too much for you, that’s okay. There are people in your life who care about you:
A close friend you can lean on.
A sibling you can trust.
Grandparents who have lived through a lifetime of experiences.
And yes, even your parents!
Communicating with your parents isn’t easy, but with some confidence and time, you can hopefully sit down and finally speak about it.
Remember To Pace Yourself
When I started communicating more, I would sit down and give myself a few minutes to build up my confidence and calm myself down. Then I would start my conversation with them. This method may work for you, or maybe a different method. Whatever helps you and works best for you is a method worth trying- and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Some things took me months or even years to share. I found it was worth it, though, because bottling up my feelings was most mentally exhausting. I was surprised to find that I felt a lot better every time I told my parents or someone else. I felt comfortable talking about my feelings or concerns.
Sharing your thoughts and feelings can seem hard to do – It’s okay if it’s not today, but it needs to be someday or at least soon. It may not be easy at times, but every time you speak out, it gets easier.
Birthright is here to hear you! Whether you’re a high school student facing an unplanned pregnancy, someone in the middle of a crisis, or simply unsure about how to handle the next step in your pregnancy. Birthright is here to help women navigate those difficult conversations, listen with compassion, and empower them to make decisions confidently.
Your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard!
