How to tell someone
Scripts for telling a parent, teacher or counselor — copy them, tweak them, or read them off your phone.
The hardest part is the first sentence. After that, the other person usually takes over. You don't need the perfect words — you just need a start.
Pick your moment
- • Side-by-side is easier than face-to-face: in the car, on a walk, doing dishes.
- • Text first if saying it out loud feels impossible. That totally counts.
- • Choose someone who's generally calm, even if they're not perfect.
To a parent or caregiver
"Hey, can I talk to you about something? I don't need you to fix it right now, I just need you to listen. I've been feeling really [down / anxious / not like myself] for a while, and I think I might need some help."
To a teacher or coach
"Do you have a few minutes after class? I've been having a hard time lately and it's affecting school. I'm not sure who to talk to — could you help me figure that out?"
To a school counselor
"Hi, I'd like to make a time to talk. I've been struggling with [stress / my mood / stuff at home] and I don't really know what to do about it."
If you freeze up
"I'm finding this hard to say, so I wrote it down. Can you read this?"
If the first person doesn't get it, that's about them, not you. Try someone else. You deserve to be heard.