A teenage young man is sitting on a hill near an open field. There appears to be a school in the background. He is alone and appears to be listening to music on his headphones.

For Teens: My Parent Is Incarcerated, and It’s Hard to Talk about It. What Do I Say?

Processing the fact that a loved one has been incarcerated can be difficult. You might feel alone or depressed. A lot of things in your life may have changed. It might be difficult to continue your normal activities, such as school or work. You might be angry with your parent, other family members, friends, or even yourself. These emotions can make it difficult to talk to others about what is happening.

There are many people your age going through similar situations. However, each person has his or her own story and feelings to work through. One person who knows exactly how you feel is Jesus Christ. While we might not fully understand how this is possible, the scriptures tell us that Christ went “forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind” (Alma 7:11; emphasis added).

Because of Him, you don’t have to feel alone. You may want to read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk “None Were with Him” from the April 2009 general conference. Elder Holland explains that “because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.”

President Russell M. Nelson taught that you can find answers and comfort as you “pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen!” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” general conference, Apr. 2018).

Something else that can help you not feel so lonely is mindfully sharing your experiences with others. It is healthy and important to talk through your feelings in safe environments. Pray to know who you should talk to and when. If talking to a trusted friend feels too hard, start with a close relative. Before talking with someone, think about what you feel comfortable sharing. You don’t need to share everything. You can explain that your experiences are difficult to talk about and you would like support.

If sharing your feelings with someone feels scary to you right now, that’s OK! You can start by talking to God through prayer. He has said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). He knows your name and your circumstances. He will never abandon you.

Community Resource

• Youth.gov, “In Their Words: 4 Young People Share Experiences with Having an Incarcerated Parent” (video), youtube.com