TeenHealthFX - Answers - People Do Not Trust Me Or Take Me Seriously

ME & Relationships / Question
Published: April 6, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I feel as if no one(friends and family) trusts me or takes me seriously anymore. It is starting to make me depressed and starting bad habits such as eating. I don't if I am paranoid or not. Please, I don't know what to do?

Signed: People Do Not Trust Me Or Take Me Seriously

Dear People Do Not Trust Me Or Take Me Seriously,

You have some important concerns, but since you are keeping them all to yourself and not working out these problems it sounds like you are subsequently feeling depressed and starting bad eating habits. That said, TeenHealthFX thinks that it is important for you to talk to someone about your worries. You might start off by speaking to your parents. Set up a time with them when you can speak privately and uninterrupted about your concerns. Let them know exactly what you told us – that you are worried there is a lack of trust in the relationships, that you are not being taken seriously by them, and that you are noticing subsequent feeling depressed, paranoia, and that you are developing problematic eating habits.

If you do not feel comfortable having this conversation with your parents right away, consider speaking to your school social worker or psychologist, who can give you some support and guidance in how to deal with these feelings with your friends and family. Your school counselor may help you find a way to speak with your parents on your own, or he/she may speak to your parents on your behalf. It might be helpful for you to be in individual and/or family therapy to address these issues – and that is something your school counselor and/or parents can help to set up for you.

FX understands that it can feel scary to have these kinds of conversations with friends and family, but it is important that you speak with someone about how you are feeling so that you can get some guidance and support in dealing with these issues, and so that you are not bottling your feelings up and dealing with this all alone.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX