Could my mental health get worse if I don’t get help?
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Ann Landers
– Updated on September 26, 2025
Question
I’m 16, and I think I have a mental illness. I told my mom that I want to see a therapist because I feel irritable all the time, but she says its just my “attitude.” My mom is a nurse, so it’s scary that she doesn’t take me seriously.
Could things get worse if I don’t get help? Sometimes I feel depressed over small things, or even for no reason at all. What’s going on with me? How can I convince my mom to help me before it gets worse?
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Answer
Seeing a therapist can help you become less affected by trivial things. If you have only told your mother once or twice that you would like to see a therapist, I suggest telling her again, so that she knows you are serious.
Also tell her why you want to see a therapist because she may not know why. If you cannot get her to understand, there are often school psychologists (this is different than a guidance counselor) that you can talk to for free, or community mental health centers in most areas.
Looking in the phone book will help you locate them. They are often free too and can help you if your mother remains resistant. Hope this helps. – Anne
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The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
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We are a health technology company that guides people toward self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.
Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and neuropsychology.
Ann Landers was a writer who specialized in offering advice from the perspective of a mentor or friend. She wrote blogs focused on friendship, romantic relationships, heartbreak, and beyond.
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Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.
– Written by
Ann Landers
– Updated on September 26, 2025
Additional Reading
The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
We are a health technology company that guides people toward self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.