My 15-year old daughter was recently diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She's currently taking medication and is seeing a therapist to help her manage her depression. She stopped going to school (which is a big thing to her since she is really smart and academically driven and is currently enrolled in a highly competitive and intellectually challenging school). She refuses to tell me what her thoughts or feelings are so I, as her main caretaker, is at a loss on how to deal with her. Is it ok for me to act happy in her presence (or would this make her more irritable)? If she acts irritated or withdrawn, should I just leave her alone or try to coax her out of it and let her do something? how can I motivate her to do some activities? how can I discipline her if she appears disrespectful? how can I teach her to at least verbally (or in writing) express her thoughts, fears, and feelings?    She self harms and because of this, I can't leave her alone. I am a working mom so this is really hard for me. Since she doesn't go to school, I sometimes bring her to work. I do not know though if it's making it worse that she does not have much alone time but I just cannot risk leaving her alone at this time.   It is so heartbreaking to see your child go through something like this and I want so much to help her but I do not know if what I'm doing is making her feel better or worse.    Is there a parent here who had undergone a similar experience? your thoughts on the matter would really be of great help.   Thanks! ... View more