how do i ask my mom to get me on meds?

[*Learningtobreathe*]

i would really really like to be able to tell my mom that i want to talk to a counselor and get on meds but i'm kind of worried.
you see, i've been feeling bad for a while, like 3 years. i was seeing a counselor for awhile but my mom stopped paying for it. i want to start seeing one again and get a psychological evaluation to see if i need meds but i'm scared of asking her.
i'm more afraid of my step dad. i don't know if he'd understand my issues or if he'd pay for it. if anyone can help, please give me some advice, i beg of you.

[MacGuffin]

Talk to a school guidance counselor first and see if they can give you any ideas about hooking up with a pro bono psychiatrist or therapist, or if they can find one or both of those for really cheap (like a sliding scale fee). Once you have more information and research, talk to your mom about it (go to her before your step dad). Present your case, explain why you need help and if your guidance counselor thinks you need help, and make a list of the pros and cons of seeing a therapist or going on medication. Parents often respond better if there is a rational argument for things instead of an emotional one. Not that you can't be emotional, because we are talking about your feeling here, but at least have some structure for what you are going to say.

Also, as a side note: Only a doctor can determine if you need medicine or not, but most importantly, do not rely on medicine to help you. While it can, often most of the work gets done in conjunction with therapy. There is no magic pill that will make you one hundred percent better without some personal work most of the time. So be prepared for that.

[*Learningtobreathe*]

oh my god thank you so much. tht really helps.

[Heartlines.]

Because you seem happy with your response, I'm going to go ahead and close this. Feel free to PM me, if you want this reopened.

Take care!