Hey there,

Thank you for sharing and I’ll do my best to help you. Just living day-to-day with a mental illness is draining enough but a lot of people have to deal with the judgement or disbelief from family members and friends which can severely impact one’s mental health and relapse. My advice is to make conversation with your loved ones by requesting conversations beginning with “I need your help,” “I need to talk to you,” or “Please listen to me before you say anything.” Starting off your conversations with these will create a sense of urgency for your family and friends to give you your full attention and be considerate towards your feelings.

However, please note that your family and friends are not professionals. They can offer their help and support but they will never fully understand your mental health struggles and how difficult it is for you to live with it. I encourage you to seek a professional therapist, local support group, or reach out to your school counselor which can all be offered in-person or online.

https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups

https://www.talkspace.com/

https://www.mytherapist.com/advice/therapy/where-to-find-the-best-free-online-therapy-and-why-it-matters/

https://www.mhanational.org/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it

I think it is beautiful that you and your choir teacher have a great relationship and communicate on a daily basis. Many teachers can feel uncomfortable when they talk to their students about their personal issues and it’s wonderful that yours is open to listening to all of it. You are so lucky to have a close relationship to your choir teacher so treasure that always.

Remember that if you come across any problems in the future, you are always welcome to share them here on Asking Jude and I am more than happy to listen. I know that Covid has really isolated us and has been detrimental to many individuals but we will get through it. In the meantime, I suggest that you try your best to make light of everything and take advantage of the quietness and calmness of each day. Study outside on your porch or on your grass so that you are not always in your room. Enjoy walks to clear your head and take up activities like art or reading instead of being on your phone. Make some goals during Covid and accomplish them. I wish you all the best and remember to come back to Asking Jude if you need to.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/self-care-tips-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/mental-health.aspx

Best,

Jennie