The ReachOut Parents and Carers Forum will close from 25th November 2024. Thanks to all parents and carers who have contributed to the Forum over the past 8 years - we appreciate it! For free professional coaching, check out our One-on-One Support service.
Reachout Parent Forums
15 year old with anxiety and depression refuses to take on any suggestions
Discussion forum for parents in Australia
Turn on suggestions
Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.
Showing results for
Hi @Iris15,
Thanks for sharing. I can hear how challenging this must be for you. Please know that you aren't alone. This is one of the top concerns that we hear from parents all the time. It must be frustrating and upsetting to be in your position while your son still struggles with anxiety and depression. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. That is unfortunately true in this situation. All you can do is offer your support which sounds like something you have been doing.
A massive positive is that he is still attending. It suggests that there must be some kind of purpose to these sessions otherwise he might flat out refuse to attend instead. These might be things you have already tried but have you asked him how you can help or if there is anything you can to differently? Have you tried to explore where his anger comes from? What is your response when he responds with anger? Another thing would be to discuss with a counsellor ways that you can try to motivate him or at least tend to your own needs while trying to support someone else. It can be a tough gig and you deserve some credit for all the work that you have put in so far
Thanks for sharing. I can hear how challenging this must be for you. Please know that you aren't alone. This is one of the top concerns that we hear from parents all the time. It must be frustrating and upsetting to be in your position while your son still struggles with anxiety and depression. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. That is unfortunately true in this situation. All you can do is offer your support which sounds like something you have been doing.
A massive positive is that he is still attending. It suggests that there must be some kind of purpose to these sessions otherwise he might flat out refuse to attend instead. These might be things you have already tried but have you asked him how you can help or if there is anything you can to differently? Have you tried to explore where his anger comes from? What is your response when he responds with anger? Another thing would be to discuss with a counsellor ways that you can try to motivate him or at least tend to your own needs while trying to support someone else. It can be a tough gig and you deserve some credit for all the work that you have put in so far
