How long can I put off professional help safely?

[SilverWing]

So, my parents are really resistant to me getting professional help, for both gender dysphoria and depression. And they've threatened to throw me out for "bringing our last place with us". So what I want to know is, how long would it be safe to put off getting help?

Currently, this is what I'm experiencing:
- general apathy
- lack of drive to do anything
- loneliness
- occurrences of a "crazy" feeling, characterized by short, shallow breaths, mild rush of adrenaline, a feeling of recklessness, and emotional emptiness
- mood swings
- gender dysphoria ranging from mild to extreme, and covering everything from sadness to irritation to outright hate for my body. Coupled with discomfort for my social role.
- seeming inability to be satisfied with anything I do, ever

My question is, where's the "danger zone"? How do I know for sure when I shouldn't put it off any longer? And is there any tactful way to tell my parents? (I seem to lack tact entirely.)

[suzifrommd]

And is there any tactful way to tell my parents? (I seem to lack tact entirely.)

"Mom and Dad, I need to tell you I'm having serious emotional problems due to my gender issues. It makes everything harder - school, friends, family life. Everything is painful. I think I've come to the point where I need help. Can I please ask you to work with me to get the help I need?"

Hugs and good luck. It is a CRIME to deny medical care to a child who needs it.

[Ofelia]

So, my parents are really resistant to me getting professional help...

This is seriously irresponsible. You need to be better than your parents and seek professional help yourself. I assume that you are in the US and with me being in Australia, I don't know how it works over there but it is ALWAYS a good idea to speak to a mental health professional. Maybe you could even try some of the Australian sources such as:

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Or at the very least, speak with us! <3