In the worst case scenario they will try to take your pills and even limit your movements. I’m Chinese 19f, in 5th grade my teacher believed I probably had some issues (I did and still do have anxiety) back then I was dealing with a lot of stress from my friends isolating me and my failing grades. When I was actually forced to go to therapy because of the teachers observations my parents beat me. They told me how disappointing I was and I didn’t live in a poor household or abused regularly so I had no reason to be mentally distressed as my therapist described me. It was true, although money was tight there was always food on the table and toys or tv, they weren’t particularly overly concerned with my average to low grades in fact it was my brothers that were kept under strict watch in academics but still I was trapped with a self demeaning mentality and severe social anxiety that left me on the verge of passing out at times.

After the first visit I was made to act and tell the therapist I was fine, I wasn’t allowed to speak about anything other than to tell him how good my home life was, eventually a few months later he wrote me off in good mental health even though I was still collapsing inside and now was dealing with suicidal thoughts over my grades and weight. It was quite hell, when my issue was revealed so early and so young, easily treatable had they believe my illness, instead it was like hope being torn from me, I wasn’t allowed to show anyone how much I was hurting inside. Nowadays I’ve managed to scrape by and lessen my anxiety with online videos and diy treatments I would call them. I got by fine, could I have used the treatment? Yes. Would my life be more different if I had been treated for social anxiety? Yes.

I could think and think about all the extroverted fun and hobbies I could’ve picked up, all the friends I could’ve made instead of clamming up when talked to, all the times I could’ve asked for help in my classes instead of staying quiet for the fear of stares and speaking up. I don’t know what exactly I’m trying to tell you except if you think they won’t and can’t accept it, hide it, maybe slowly introduce the idea that mental illness is part of you, or at least not some horrifying imaginary illness that you are making up, take it slow if you don’t think they’ll handle it well.