Do Parents Get Notified When Minors Seek Mental Health Care Alone?

Q: Do Parents Get Notified When Minors Seek Mental Health Care Alone?

Hello YY： If you are indeed experiencing emotional distress, I recommend that you communicate openly with your parents. <br>Initially, they may respond in the way you described, but with some patience, after a few days, when you have followed their suggestions and still see no im

Will parents be notified if a minor seeks medical treatment on their own?

Thank you for the previous response, doctor.
Because my parents married late, there is a significant age gap, and their views are quite traditional.
If I talk to them about my feelings, they often respond by saying, "Children don’t have many worries; you just have low stress tolerance.
What will you do in the future when the pressure increases? Stop overthinking; you’re just too idle, which is why you think about these unnecessary things.
You should fill your schedule so you won’t have time to think about this.
You’re already quite lucky; others who are worse off don’t complain." (I had previously asked them in a tentative way and received similar responses.)
So I wonder, if I go to the doctor without my parents and get diagnosed with a condition, will they be forced to notify my parents? I feel like they would think it’s embarrassing.
Regarding self-harm, my cousin once threatened my parents with self-harm to get them to agree to something, so if my mom sees any cuts on me, she tells me not to follow my cousin's example.
But I really don’t have that intention; I just want to release some emotions.
I’m not doing it to follow a trend; it’s just that I feel so much pain, and seeing blood somehow makes me feel inexplicably happy.
I find this part of myself disgusting.

I had stopped for over two months before, but eventually, I couldn’t resist cutting again.
I’ve realized that I’m becoming increasingly reliant on self-harm to release my feelings.
When I don’t have a blade, I feel particularly anxious.
I’ve tried to substitute it with other methods, but nothing is as effective as a utility knife.
However, because cuts on my arms are easily noticeable, I’ve started trying to cut the sides of my fingers or my thighs and ankles, but for some reason, my mom always finds out.
So I have to lie to her.
I’m tired of this way of living, and I’ve had enough of my inadequate self.
I want to change, but I lack the courage.

yy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/31

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello YY: If you are indeed experiencing emotional distress, I recommend that you communicate openly with your parents.
Initially, they may respond in the way you described, but with some patience, after a few days, when you have followed their suggestions and still see no improvement, you can seek their help again.
I believe your parents will come to understand your emotional struggles, and they may even take the initiative to suggest seeking professional help.

For minors seeking treatment alone, if a professional notices any risks, they are required to inform the guardian.
Self-harm can become a habit, but it merely serves as a means to distract from or escape the feelings of emptiness and pain, without truly addressing the underlying issues.
I suggest expressing your feelings through writing or drawing; keeping a journal to document your emotions or creating art can be much more effective for stress relief in the long run than self-harm.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2021/01/31

More Info

It's clear from your message that you're experiencing a lot of emotional pain and confusion, and I want to acknowledge how difficult this must be for you. The feelings you're describing—anxiety, self-harm, and the struggle to communicate with your parents—are serious and deserve attention and care.

To address your question about whether parents are notified when minors seek mental health care alone, it largely depends on the laws and regulations of the state or country you are in. In many places, mental health professionals are required to maintain confidentiality, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like self-harm or suicidal thoughts. However, there are exceptions, particularly if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. In such cases, a mental health provider may feel obligated to inform a parent or guardian to ensure your safety.

It's understandable that you might be concerned about how your parents would react if they were informed about your mental health struggles. Given your description of their traditional views and dismissive attitudes toward emotional issues, it's natural to feel apprehensive about seeking help. However, it's important to prioritize your well-being. If you feel that discussing your feelings with your parents would lead to more distress, you might consider seeking help from a trusted adult, school counselor, or mental health professional who can provide support without immediately involving your parents.

Regarding self-harm, it's crucial to understand that this behavior is often a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming emotions. While it may provide temporary relief, it can lead to a cycle of shame and further emotional distress. I encourage you to explore healthier coping strategies, such as journaling, engaging in creative activities, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. These methods can help you express your feelings without resorting to self-harm.

You mentioned feeling a sense of relief when seeing blood, which indicates a deeper emotional struggle. It’s essential to talk to someone who can help you navigate these feelings. A mental health professional can work with you to understand the underlying issues contributing to your pain and help you develop healthier coping mechanisms.

If you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to proceed, consider reaching out to a mental health hotline or a local mental health service. They can provide immediate support and guidance on how to take the next steps toward feeling better.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that you are not alone in this. Many people struggle with similar feelings, and seeking help is a brave and important step. You deserve to feel better and to have the support you need to navigate these challenges. Please take care of yourself, and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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