TeenHealthFX - Answers - Intolerance For Others

Anger / Question
Published: January 5, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I wrote a question "Intolerance for other people" about a week ago. I talked to my parents and they blamed it all on me and how I'm acting. The problems may all be related to me, but I can't control how I'm acting. I have no control over myself when I'm angry or when I have a breakdown. Who else can I go to that might actually take me seriously and talk to me about the real problem: why I feel how I feel.

Signed: Intolerance For Others - Who To Talk To

Dear Intolerance For Others - Who To Talk To,

TeenHealthFX is sorry to hear that your parents have blamed you for your emotional state. People with mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder do not bring these issues upon themselves. They are diseases that do not simply go away on their own, but require treatment from a trained professional. You cannot control whether or not you have a mood disorder, however, it is in your control (and what you are responsible for) is how you choose to deal with the disease, if in fact you are dealing with a mood disorder. But it does sound like you are trying to take responsibility for this by seeking out help for yourself.

FX thinks that you should try speaking to a counselor at school (you school social worker or psychologist, or a guidance counselor) or with your primary care physician. It is important that someone advocates for you with your parents so that you can be evaluated by a mental health professional to determine whether or not you are dealing with a mood disorder, and what kind of treatment is recommended for what you are dealing with. It is also important that you parents be involved in this consultation so that they can be educated on what contributes to your emotional state and what can be done about it. A staff member at school or you PCP would be good resources in terms of people who can help to advocate for your needs with them.

Good luck – and keep talking to the adults around you until someone helps to arrange a consultation for you with a mental health professional.

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