How do you talk to people?

Hi Jessica. I'm interpreting your thread to potentially mean two different things: 1) that you might be struggling to tell your parents so are thinking about telling someone else, or 2) you have decided to tell your parents but don't know how to go about it.

I really struggle to tell people anything personal, so I know what you mean. If 1), then perhaps you could trail the topic with someone else first, either on a forum like this one, or else with an anonymous helpline such as the sanitarians (for example), where you could just put the phone down if it gets too much. Then at least you can know if a conversation with your parents would be too much.

If 2), then maybe think about your preferred communication method. I had a difficult conversation with a friend recently and did it over a video call, because I found that easier than other methods. Set a time in advance so you can build up to it in your mind. In the past, I've written notes for myself before a conversation. In short, design the conversation around your sensory profile and preferred way of communication, in a place suitable to you.

I hope that helps, good luck with it.

Hi Jessica. I'm interpreting your thread to potentially mean two different things: 1) that you might be struggling to tell your parents so are thinking about telling someone else, or 2) you have decided to tell your parents but don't know how to go about it.

I really struggle to tell people anything personal, so I know what you mean. If 1), then perhaps you could trail the topic with someone else first, either on a forum like this one, or else with an anonymous helpline such as the sanitarians (for example), where you could just put the phone down if it gets too much. Then at least you can know if a conversation with your parents would be too much.

If 2), then maybe think about your preferred communication method. I had a difficult conversation with a friend recently and did it over a video call, because I found that easier than other methods. Set a time in advance so you can build up to it in your mind. In the past, I've written notes for myself before a conversation. In short, design the conversation around your sensory profile and preferred way of communication, in a place suitable to you.

I hope that helps, good luck with it.

Hi thank you,

I'm sorry you relate and struggle with this as well. It's hard isn't it. I can't do Samaritans as I can't hear anything, I did send an email but they haven't responded so I wonder if maybe they aren't working at the moment. I'm deaf so I can't call them.

It did help thanks  Writing notes is a good idea, means I won't forget anything important.

Jess xx