I want to get out of my house

[Guest]

I am a 17 year old from Michigan. I am currently living with both of my parents. I’m in a very uncomfortable home situation; my parents don’t really allow me much freedom, and they don’t provide me with healthcare. I haven’t seen a doctor since 2014, I haven’t been to a dentist in years, and they refuse to let me talk to a psychiatrist. I need health care but my parents refuse to give it to me; and going to a doctor myself is not an option. I have severe depression, anxiety (that makes it difficult for me to drive and interact with people), frequent/drastic mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and a tendency to self harm. My parents do not help with any of this. My mom insults me, yells at me, and doesn’t show any love or empathy when I talk to her about my problems. I don’t want to talk to her about the way I feel, but she forces me to by yelling and keeping me isolated until I tell her things. When I talk about how I feel, she responds by cussing, talking about how bad she has it, calling me entitled and selfish, and saying that I need to be normal, or that I need to stop feeling the way that I do. My dad, on the other hand, refuses to listen to me. He doesn’t even listen whenever I tell him about the things that my mom does. My mom’s mental health stresses me out as well, she has very bad anxiety; she stays in the house almost all the time and can not drive or work. She’s also paranoid, and has frequent/drastic mood swings. Most of the time, I am at home with her. I’m always cleaning and taking care of the house and my family, but nobody really gives me any sort of recognition. Instead, my mom says that I never do anything. She frequently accuses me of lying and neglecting my brother and her. My mother also yells at me for not getting her out of the house all the time, and my dad constantly says stuff about it as well. However, driving is hard for me due to my anxiety; and I am not her personal taxi. I feel as though it’s not my responsibility to get her out of the house all the time and take her to places that I don’t want to go every single day. Everything that I do is up to my parents, and usually, I don’t have a say in making decisions. I can’t hang out with anyone except for my boyfriend; but I can barely even do that without my parents getting mad at me. They’re never proud of me; every time I think I’ve achieved something they always say I could’ve did better. For example, I got a 1060 on my SAT. Neither of my parents said they were proud of me; instead, they said that I didn’t try my hardest and that I must’ve not have slept and ate enough before the test. However, I did try my hardest; but as usual, they chose to not recognize it. I feel so alone, stressed out, depressed, scared, and unhappy in this house. I want to run away, but I can’t drive, I don’t have enough money, and I don’t have anywhere to go. Emancipation isn’t an option. I don’t turn 18 until next year, but I can’t stand to be here anymore. I just don’t know what to do. When I try to talk to them about the way they treat me, they refuse to listen; or they tell me that they’re very lenient. However, I don’t even get to do half the things that other people my age do. How can I get them to listen to me? How can I get them to let me see a doctor? How can I get out of here? Advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

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Reply: I want to get out of my house

Thank you for writing to us here at National Runaway Safeline (NRS).

From everything that you have been going through at home with your parent’s it took a lot of courage for you to reach out. We appreciate you sharing your feelings about the situation. Well done. It sounds like you’re quite overwhelmed by things at home right now and you mentioned being harmed and or thinking about harming yourself. We’re sorry you’re going through this. You don't deserve to be hurt in any way. If you are at risk of any danger or feeling unsafe, we encourage you to reach out to 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.
For depression or suicidal thoughts you might consider contacting the National Suicide and Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Again you do not deserve to be abused physically, emotionally etc.
It is not your fault that this is happening. You cannot control hat others choose to do.
Seeking help is an option available to you.

To report any abusive treatment there is Child Help USA 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org is an organization that helps protect minors from being harmed. It may also be a good place to explore options for staying with another family member or someone you trust as far as transferring custody.

Often, having a safe space to share how you’re feeling may bring a variety of solutions previously not thought of. You are not alone in this. We want you to know that we are here as support to help you through this challenging time. We are limited as to how we can help in this type of forum.

If you would like to talk more in detail please call 1-800-Runaway (786-2929) or chat soon through our website www.1800runaway.org (click on the chat button) if you are unable to call in.

Be safe,
NRS