Actually getting the nerve to reach out?

[ReginaGeorge]

People always say the first step is telling people how you feel, or talking to a doctor or counselor or whatever, but how do you actually do it? How do you get over just the.. fear, I guess, of it?

Any stories of how you reached out?

Quite a few people around me have diagnosed mental illness, on meds, or see therapists, or are known to self-harm but aren't medically diagnosed with anything. I have 7 on the top of my head. It makes me think that I'm not going to be taken seriously, or think I'm pretending or exaggerating to 'fit in' with them more (someone has actually done that), or think it's just not happening to me, or whatever.

I guess my biggest fear is reaching out and being dismissed or not taking seriously, especially because I'm not really bad.

I feel like the best person to talk to would be the school counselor so there's no money or medicare confusion, but I've already supposed to have three meetings with my school counselor for a different, but related reason, and she forgot every single one.

idk how do you get the courage to do it?

[AwkwardTurtle22]

I know what you mean. It's one of those kinds of things where you have to say, "I need to talk to you." and once you get the person's attention you just say it. As for the fear it's self I don't think it really goes away. I have opened up to consolers and such before but after starting high school I still get sick to my stomach when it comes to talking to a counselor or teacher about stuff like this. Best of luck hun. It's hard but if you ever need anyone to talk to I'm here to listen.