Hey @Anonymous_Owl ! 💙

I completely understand why it’s hard to let people help. It makes so much sense—you’re doing what you can to cope, and that’s really valid. But I also want to remind you that just because you’re choosing to be there to chill doesn’t mean you’re a burden. Your colleagues and manager have already shown they want to support you, not because they have to, but because they genuinely care about you. You’re not taking anything away from them by allowing yourself to lean on them a little.

That being said, I think it’s great that you’re being mindful of your school schedule and giving yourself time to figure things out. It’s awesome that you’re planning to go to PCYC for your birthday, it is your happy place after all—what better way to spend your birthday than in a space that feels safe and positive? HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 👏 I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by people who care about you! 💙 And giving it two weeks before discussing things with your parents sounds like a solid plan. Wednesdays sound like they could be a nice balance, giving you time to study while also having that space to connect with others.

As for opening up more—I think it’s important to do it at your own pace, in a way that feels safe for you. If it feels overwhelming to share everything at once, maybe start small. You could try mentioning how you’re feeling in the moment rather than diving into the full story (e.g., “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately” or “I appreciate you checking in, I’ve had a lot on my mind”). Sometimes, just getting comfortable acknowledging emotions out loud can make it easier to open up more over time.

Another idea is to set boundaries around what you do and don’t want to share. You can say something like, “I just need to vent right now and maybe I will need advice on this later,” or “I want to talk about this, but I’m not ready for questions yet.” That way, you’re still letting people in but in a way that feels more manageable.

At the end of the day, you deserve support just as much as anyone else. You don’t have to go through things alone, and the people around you want to be there for you. Even if it takes time to let them in, that’s okay—just take it one step at a time. 💙

I need help! Should I open up to my colleague/manager as I don't want to keep worrying them or not?

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