• Embarrassment over the behavior or chorea of a parent or relative.

All of these feelings are natural and you shouldn't have to deal with them alone! It's important to talk about your feelings with a parent or relative. Sometimes you might feel they don't have the time to sit down and have a serious discussion with you, especially if they are working and caring for someone with HD. Or you may be feeling that their lives are too overwhelmed right now and you don't want to bother them. Believe me, your parents DO care and they DO love you very much! They would want to know if anything is bothering you.

If you feel your parent doesn't understand, and these things are affecting your day-to-day life, it's important for you to find someone you trust that you can talk to. You might want to try talking to:

• An HD Social workers at your HDSA Chapter or Center of Excellence. They would be more then willing to try and find the right resources to help you. You can check to see if there is one in your state on the Huntington’s Disease Support State-by-State website [see below] or call the HDSA at 1-800-345-4372.

• Your school guidance counselor can also be very helpful.

• Your place of worship probably has a youth advisor willing to talk with you.

• Talk to other young people living with Huntington's Disease. The HDSA National Youth Alliance [NYA] is specifically to support all young people living with HD.

In any event, whatever you do, please don't try to handle feelings that are affecting you enough that they are making you feel sad, angry or frustrated or alone. There are many very caring people who can and will help you!