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Lack of family support

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Mumof19yrold

Lack of family support

Hi

was wondering if anyone else struggles with lack of family support around holidays like Easter, Birthdays and so on.

Is just my daughter and myself and I find it hard, everyone out with their families.

Any ideas or thoughts?

We do stuff together its not like we are house bound but it just upsets me and I find it hard to keep a brave face.

Thank you

Contributor
Sister

Re: Lack of family support

Hi @Mumof19yrold

 

You are not alone.

 

I think a lot of us can struggle over Easter and special occasions.

 

At least your daughter is willing to do things with you. My son is currently isolating in his room so I need to do things alone and if I go out its only briefly as I still need to check on him. He is 15.

 

Could you and your daughter do some volunteer work together? Maybe visit some people in an aged care facility or something along those lines? What about neighbours? Don't be put off by not asking them around because they could feel just as you do. Maybe organise a picnic with some people you know (?) Do you have any other family at all? Possibly you could try and organise something for another occasion.

 

Some people also have no one and are disabled in some way or unable to get out of the house.

 

I understand where you are coming from though. I feel like this at times too however I know there are other people feeling the same way right at this moment........out of the billions of people in the world, there will be many going through difficulties such as ours too.

I find this way of thinking helps.

Super star contributor
taokat

Re: Lack of family support

Hi @Mumof19yrold, welcome to the forum!

 

When we're alone, celebratory times do feel very lonely. It's just myself and my daughter too, and we only have a small extended family of 3 as my only sibling doesn't have any family of his own. I would love the big family celebrations so many of those around me have, but life hasn't worked out that way unfortunately. 

 

It's lovely that you and your daughter do things together, and that's something positive! I'm like @Sister, my daughter isolates in her room, and as close as we are in a lot of ways, she'd prefer to hang in her room than do anything with me, and she rarely sees the grandparents and uncle she does have. I'll go and have lunch with the family tomorrow but no big celebrations I imagine other families are having. There's tension between my parents at the moment so I'm not looking forward to it!

 

I love @Sister's ideas of volunteering or doing something like that. We volunteered one Christmas because my daughter wouldn't celebrate with us, and I didn't want to celebrate without her. It's very fulfilling and really lifts the spirits. It also helps others without family feel less alone at these times. Does that sound like something you and your daughter might be interested in?

 

 

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Star contributor
Breez-RO

Re: Lack of family support

Hey @Mumof19yrold welcome to RO! The other members are spot on, this definitely isn't an isolated issue. Many families struggle this time of year. I definitely would second doing something like volunteering, or treating the two of you to something awesome. Movies, road trip, lunch etc. Getting out of your regular environment and trying something new could be quite lovely for both of you. How are you feeling at the moment?

Active scribe
Mumof19yrold

Re: Lack of family support

Hi Breez Ro
Thank you for your reply.
We do go out and do things we went to movies last night so that was nice.
At the monent am feeling pretty over whelmed my daughter had a bit of a breakdown last night and I am just so upset I go her to call a crisis line which thankfully helped we didn't get to bed till 2.30am
Very worried need to arrange a consult with our GP but is closed due to Easter break
Am very glad to have found this service
Thk u
Active scribe
Mumof19yrold

Re: Lack of family support

Hello Sister
Thank you for your reply they are great ideas that I had not thought of trying.
Thank you!
Am sorry to hear your son is isolating himself that must be very difficult for you.
Yes I do have other family ... cousins but they are inter state and busy with their own little family units .. guess they don't really understand both my daughter and myself have anxiety due to bad things happening in our lives
We just want to get our lives back on track as you would know some days are harder than others.
Thk you again I appreciate your help
Active scribe
Mumof19yrold

Re: Lack of family support

Hi Taokat
Thank you for your reply yes I do think doing some volunteer work with my daughter would be a good idea.
It will also encourage her to get out and about she has isolated herself from her friends so she is with me a lot
She doesn't always want to go out ... and sonetimes we fight as a result
She likes to go to movies .. bowling.. Easter Show .. but if it doesn't intrest her she will be housebound in her PJ's all day ... not even wanting to shower.
She has been reviewed by our GP in terms of Mental health treatment our GP has arranged for her to re start seeing her Pathologist again
Thank you for your help much appreciated
Prolific scribe
Erin-RO

Re: Lack of family support

I'm sorry to hear you and your daughter had a difficult time last night @Mumof19yrold but I'm glad the helpline and RO has been able to help you both. It really does sound like you're doing everything you can. Just remember that while you support your daughter try to also support yourself, whether that's seeing a counsellor or psychologist yourself, talking to helplines or engaging in some self-care Heart

 

Active scribe
Mumof19yrold

Re: Lack of family support

Hello Erin RO
Just a rough patch we have to work through I really am so very grateful for this service really does help!
Yes I will have to try and do some self care for me eventually just need to help her thru this patch.
Thank you again
Super star contributor
taokat

Re: Lack of family support

Hey @Mumof19yrold, that's great to hear you have counselling for your daughter up and running again. 

 

My daughter has the same traits as yours in that if she's not out and about (which isn't often), she stays in her room in her pj's, doesn't shower either. 

 

As much as we love our kids, it can be frustrating being with them all the time - I think it's the same with any 2 people - friends, partners, etc. It's a different head space when they're always home and I crave my daughter's tafe days, so I completely get that you sometimes argue with her home so much. 

 

Volunteer work can be so rewarding! Let us know how you go Smiley Happy