The idea of opening up is always daunting for most of us. Showing our vulnerable side is especially harder when we do it to people close to us. No matter how hard we try to put it off, anxiety always creeps in and once it does, it makes us feel like we’re on our own. But this doesn’t have to be the case. You have the ability to take control and conquer anxiety. You might not realize this right now but you can actually come out of it given the right actions and right interventions. One of the first steps to conquering anxiety is to identify that you have it. The next step might take a while, and the following fears might be holding you back. Read on and find out how you can possibly address this issue.
- Fear of the Unknown
Not all parents are the same. There are hundreds of possible scenarios that could happen once you decide to open up. If your biggest concern is their unpredictability, then perhaps it’s best if you anticipate all their possible reactions and be ready to accept them. The only way to know how they’ll react is if you tell them, and the sooner you do, the better it would be for your own peace of mind. Plan a meeting with one or both of them. That way, you get to control the pace and amount of information you get to share. Plan what to say and how to say it. Know the reason why you’re telling them in the first place. - Fear of Disappointment
Our society has placed such an emphasis on the concealment of failures and we even go to extreme lengths just to hide it. Having anxiety problems does not automatically equate to failure, not even if your parents see it that way. Talking to your parents is not only a conversation on how to address your issue, but it’s also a way to dig through their expectations and re-evaluate. Are they reasonable expectations? Are they real or just assumed? Confirm these with your parents and ask for their reassurance. Or better yet, visit a Teen Treatment Center in Los Angeles or in a similar facility near you for more assistance. - Fear of Rejection
Parents or people close to us sometimes have a way of hurting us by dismissing our feelings. The way they react might not be intentionally meant to hurt us; they might not even know that they already did. If your biggest fear is facing this potential conflict with a parent, it might be better if you write your thoughts down instead. Sometimes, written words are better at explaining how we truly feel without having to suffer from the initial judgments that you’ll get from it. Write a letter. Have them read it. Mull over it. Then talk about it. Conflicts are always challenging, and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. So do what feels right, trust your experiences and of course, put faith on your loved ones too.
If you are reading this, perhaps you need some assurance that it’s perfectly fine to open up to your parents. If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of anxiety, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Teen Anxiety is a teen anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, California with interventions that are suited to the needs of every individual. Our doors are open. Let’s talk.