Hey @Eriamb, that must be really tough. How have you been managing the situation currently? How does your daughter now feel given it was a year ago now? ... View more

Hey @nance12, thanks for helping out and providing some extra information on the topic. It is amazing to increase awareness and educate ourselves on topics, especially mental health. We can always learn more. Just something to be mindful of - whilst there are similarities in symptoms of disorders and illnesses, how an individual presents can be unique and different from others with the same disorder or illness. It is recommended to get professional support and advice in order to tailor treatment and discussion to the individual and their presenting symptoms. It is important to hear the individual's experience first-hand to avoid stereotypes or the perpetuation of stigma  ... View more

Hey @Concerned2019, I think it would be really hard to put your feelings aside and allow her into your house. Do you think you will take the advice of the care worker? Have you worked on any strategies for your daughter if she continues to see this friend that is influencing her? I also had to edit a name out that you mentioned in your post - as per our guidelines. No big deal, just to protect privacy and anonymity. ... View more

Hey @Kyb50, it sounds like your daughter is really intelligent and involved in extra-curricular activities at school. It is such a shame that she hasn't been able to make friends. I do agree with @compassion that it is important to be involved in activities that have a social aspect to them to create an outside identity and get some kind of interaction in. How has all of this impacted you?  ... View more

Very helpful @sunflowermom, I think some of the strategies you are trying are so wonderful. It really warms my heart to hear the way you are handling everything - with such love, compassion and understanding. I can tell that you are really standing with your daughter through this and it so beautiful  ... View more

Hey @LostInUtah, thanks for sharing your experience. If you haven't already, you are always welcome to make your own thread to discuss your experience too. Your current situation sounds difficult to manage. Has any benefit come from the therapy so far? A wealth of experience @sunflowermom, thanks again for being so active on the forums and sharing your insight. A lot of things you write are so valuable and often beautiful to read. I think you are doing an amazing job! ... View more

Hi @TiredAndTried, just letting you know that I edited your post to remove method of self-harm as it is against our guidelines here. It sounds like your daughter has a lot going on for her that is manifesting in risk-taking and other negative behaviour. Often teenagers might display behaviours that have totally different causes or meanings than what meets the eye. Is this something that has been explored with the support services you listed? Managing this alongside your own well-being and the well-being of your family is so difficult and I hear that this has been a struggle. How did the support you receive from therapy etc. help in this case? How is the anger-management and self-harm currently managed? Hello @Aspen, it sounds like you can really relate to this post. I am sorry to hear that things have been quite difficult for the last few years. It can be a really trying period where the teenager is experiencing a lot of hormonal and self-discovery changes. Have you discussed these issues with local services like a school or counselor? It is important for parents to also receive support for themselves and engage in self-care to maintain health and well-being. ... View more

Hi @stressedout, it sounds like things have really taken a different path for you and your family. How are you feeling with your daughter being away from you? It is great to hear that you found out parenting course and coaching helpful. It is also amazing to hear that your daughter is adjusting well and finding a strategy that works for keeping her busy and in school. You have also provided amazing support and comfort to other members here which I know will be super helpful, so we all thank you!  ... View more

So truly happy for you that your daughter is safe and home @sunflowermom! What you have mentioned sounds like a really beautiful start to repairing the relationships within your family. I can only imagine how hard trust is to come by but hopefully open communication can smooth out any bumps in the road ahead. You have still allowed your daughter her own space as well as forgiveness which must be difficult to do. Please keep us updated but most of all, enjoy your retreat.   Thanks for your wonderful support @compassion, you offer some valuable insights. Feel free to make your own post if you feel comfortable or wish to do so  ... View more

Hello @lighthouse369, that sounds like a very challenging situation for your family. It must be so hard to hear these hurtful things from your daughter. Has the psychologist provided any advice around this defiance? Is there a safety plan and action plan surrounding suicide and self-harm for your daughter? It definitely hard to tackle this on your own. Are there any activities you engage on your own or with your family to engage in self-care? It is important to look after yourself as a parent as you are continuously providing support to your family!   Have sent you an email @compassion, regarding the technical difficulties  ... View more

Hey @sunflowermom, I really am sorry to hear about your daughter running away. I can't imagine how upset and worried you are feeling right now. I also feel for you daughter that she is in such a state where she wants to run away  How are you going to pass the time while waiting for more information? I know this time period will be one of anxiety and stress for you. Sending positive thoughts to you and your family  ... View more

Hello @1stressedmum, that must have been a lot to hear from your daughter. It sounds like you have really been looking forward to her coming home to live. It is normal and expected to be upset and to feel like you need extra support. It is more than okay to seek this support and to take care of yourself as your needs and health are important too. You should be really proud of yourself for calling the helpline in regards to focusing your thoughts - it truly is amazing and brave. It sounds like this was quite a heightened moment for you and you had thoughts of dying and your life stopping. I feel for you and how upsetting this has been but I am wondering if you are currently or continuously having these thoughts? Are you feeling safe? Is there support you need to reach out to in order to address these thoughts? Whilst you are there to support your daughter, we cannot fill another from our own empty cup. You also deserve the same attention you pour into others ... View more

Heya @lizard0812, sorry to hear that things are so hard right now. Can you tell us a bit more about what is going on for you and your family right now? What support do you have through this situation right now? ... View more

Thanks for your experience and advice @Faob_1, I can hear about the impact this has had on you and your family. It isn't easy to make these decisions and it is great that you all have some forms of support through this. Has any of this support or advice been helpful @kevvy22? I think it can feel comforting to know you aren't alone and that it isn't a reflection of you as a parent or a family. ... View more

Heya @kevvy22, I will reply on your own personal thread as it is a lot more detailed about what you are going through right now  ... View more

Hey @kevvy22,  I wanted to say thanks for sharing your story here with us. It sounds like a long time to have to deal with that behaviour. I am sorry to hear that all of this has been affecting yourself and your other children. It is incredibly difficult to delve into what is behind your son acting this way. Is this something you have been able to explore with a health professional? I noticed your reply on another thread and I am wondering if you have come across any helpful suggestions so far? We actually have a parent coaching program here which is direct 1-on-1 support which is tailored to your individual circumstances. Feel free to follow the link to check it out! Is there any support you currently receive from services or friends and family? It isn't easy to manage and keep all of this at bay, so it is important to look after yourself by doing things you still enjoy and addressing the impact all of this has had on you  How does the rest of your family cope with this behaviour? ... View more

Hi @jajealch, it really is difficult for young people to begin to access support. It is so unfortunate but often it is so challenging to open up or even admit that there are some issues that need addressing. Do you have any local helplines or online services that your son might be open to accessing prior to face-to-face support? Often it can be a stepping stone and less daunting. I also really echo what @gina-Ro has said - do you access any support for yourself? This could guide you and ensure that you have the appropriate support when helping your son. It is also important to look after yourself as these challenges can become awfully heavy quite quickly. You are not alone in this. ... View more

Hey @sunflowermom, sorry to hear that this has been so upsetting for you. I imagine this would be one of the longest times you have spent away from her? I hope it can provide the support she needs and she is able to settle in with the others teens. I think it would be quite scary and she is just processing everything right now. As for home life, I can only imagine how strange it must feel without her. Do you have any plans on how to tackle the three months without her? I know it has been a trying and difficult time and perhaps it provides a time for repair and self-care, if possible..  ... View more

Hi @Keyanna02, sorry to hear that you are experiencing this situation. How have you been dealing with it so far? Have you spoken to the school about how to encourage your daughter to attend school? Has any strategy you have tried worked in the past? Are there any particular reasons as to why she does not want to go? I hope this helps!  ... View more

That is great that she has found comfort in making friends with the boys instead. She sounds like she has a lot of confidence! I think it is important to be aware of what is going on for your child although it sounds like you have this covered. You mentioned that your daughter is quite honest and open with you which is amazing! What activities do you do when you spend time with your daughter? This can still provide a sense of friendship and help foster a healthy and beautiful relationship between you which will act as a model for other relationships. ... View more

Awesome advice @brightstar89! I also agree that it is really important to offer that empathy and support in such a difficult time. Easier said than done but it is also important to seek extra support for yourself when needed. I think de-stressing and still doing things you enjoy can really lessen the load and allow you to have at least one moment of relaxation. ... View more

Hey @MazzieP, thanks for sharing that with us. I think it is great that you have open dialogue with your son about his feelings. You could try asking about what would he do if he did feel nervous about something? Would he be able to let you know or someone else? You could normalise feeling nervous and dive right in and discuss situations that are likely to bring about nervousness whilst providing support (e.g changing schools and how this could be managed etc). Just some ideas but I will tag some other parents for their input  Good luck with the move! @sunflowermom @Sister @Happy @Sunshine6 @provincetown @Mumof1 ... View more

Hello @Help_needed, I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. It seems like it is really difficult to know how to handle this or what the next steps should be. I think discussing what is making her so unhappy is a great step because it gives her the opportunity to feel valued and heard. It would be really interesting to know exactly how she is thinking and feeling. I was also wondering what happens if you try to hold her to these boundaries and rules that you have set? How do you react when your daughter disobeys boundaries?    I will tag some other members for support @taokat @sunflowermom @Schooner @Moggy3kids  ... View more

Hello @kokolika, welcome to ReachOut! We are so glad you have found our forums and made your first post. I will just let you know that we are an Australian website and it looks like you are from the USA, so any information or services we provide might not be suitable or helpful in your situation. That being said, you are looking for advice and peer support is something we can definitely provide for you here (we also have other international users), so welcome aboard! @Schooner offers some really great advice here. Everyone responds to medication differently and results can take time to show. It is really important to look after yourself during this time and keep enjoying the things that you like to do. Is there any hobbies or self-care activities that you have? Sometimes you might also need some professional support for yourself.. is that an option near you?   I am going to take some members here for extra support   @taokat @sunflowermom @Happy @Helpful_Mum @Dakotah ... View more

Sorry for the misunderstanding @Dakotah, that is great that you have given her that option. It sounds really lovely that you are all working together on this so everyone is informed and involved. It is always important to do things we enjoy even when things are difficult, so awesome to hear that your daughter has some hobbies and fun things to do! You sound like you have been really proactive and supportive throughout all this  ... View more

Hey @Dakotah, that sounds like a great step, hopefully they have got some wonderful support there. I know you mentioned you made an appointment for yourself and partner to be able to help your daughter better. Have you considered making an appointment for your daughter too? I would encourage as much support as possible especially if she is open to the idea  What does your daughter enjoy doing in her spare time? ... View more

Hey @lizard0812, thanks for your support and being apart of the forums! You have offered such lovely sentiment and valuable insight. I think it is so true in that sometimes children are not willing to speak to their parents but it is important for them to have a trusted adult to speak to. Also very important to look after yourself and realise that you are doing the very best that you can even if it doesn't feel like it ... View more

I am sorry to hear because it sounds like it has had a really significant impact on your child! It is great that you both have amazing support and that you would recommend this to others. It really is important when going through something so complex and distressing. It is unfortunate you have had this experience but great advice offered here to Whimsymim  ... View more

Hey @TiVo01, welcome to ReachOut! Thanks for introducing yourself so we can get to know a bit about you. I had to edit your post as ReachOut is anonymous, you can take a look at our guidelines here. Feel free to share more of your story and the type of support you feel you need, after clicking on 'Start a Topic' in this area. For example, is there anything specific you are struggling with in regards to your daughter's sexuality? Do you struggle with this particular topic? Sharing in the area I linked is more likely to generate a response from other users as it has more visibility  ... View more

Hi @Mumof1, I am sorry to hear about this happening, I can only imagine how heart-breaking it must be for both of you. You're right, you don't have to convince your daughter to forgive her ex-boyfriend, unless it is something she wants to do.  I think the advice you have given is really great as it is important to focus on the supports that are still available for your daughter. Who else does she have in her dark times? Do either of you have a psychologist or counselor? It sounds like both of you could do with some extra support in a time like this, especially for your daughter seeing as it has bought up some past trauma for her. It is also important that if you are concerned for the safety of anyone, contact 000. We have services like eheadspace and Kids Helpline that we can recommend in the meantime  . I also had to edit your post as it mentioned the method of self-harm. ... View more