u/Ill-Example3728

My parents, especially my dad, keep forcing me not to use my cane during outings. Saturday, we went to my brother’s graduation, and there were stairs, hills, and long waiting times—I wouldn’t have been able to do all that without my cane. My dad forced me to leave it behind and then said, 'Oh, you can just lean on me.' I told him that was the whole point of the cane—so I have something to lean on while having full control over what I’m doing. When I lean on him, I have to match his pace whether he's walking fast or slow. It felt like he was embarrassed of me. He always finds a reason to downplay my illness and make it sound like it’s not serious, but it is. It’s so tiring constantly trying to explain why I need it.

My parents, especially my dad, keep forcing me not to use my cane during outings. Yesterday, we went to my brother’s graduation, and there were stairs, hills, and long waiting times—I wouldn’t have been able to do all that without my cane. My dad forced me to leave it behind and then said, 'Oh, you can just lean on me.' I told him that was the whole point of the cane—so I have something to lean on while having full control over what I’m doing. When I lean on him, I have to match his pace whether he's walking fast or slow. It felt like he was embarrassed of me. He always finds a reason to downplay my illness and make it sound like it’s not serious, but it is. It’s so tiring constantly trying to explain why I need it.

I’m chronically ill and deal with constant pain, migraines, and hand/wrist issues. I also think I’m depressed, and my energy is extremely limited. Over the years I’ve noticed my parents see my illness as more of an inconvenience, and when I try to explain that I can’t do everything they ask in one day, they get angry. I end up pushing myself and paying for it later.

I’ve been struggling with undiagnosed depression for about a year, and I feel unmotivated and overwhelmed. My dad is making me take the ACT and wants me to study multiple times a day. Today was the first day of “ACT bootcamp,” and after 30 minutes my body crashed. He’s still upset about my SAT score (960), and he expects me to study constantly while also doing chores. Rest isn’t seen as a priority, and they get upset when I lie down to recharge. I don’t know what to do.