My 15yr old is creating a fake online persona and lying about being ill.  I am so upset.  This is not the first time she has done this, but I really thought we were past all this.   A bit of background, she suffered a major bereavement 5yrs ago when her Dad died very suddenly.  She then endured 2yrs of bullying at school, resulting in very low self esteem and anxiety.  Moved school and she has been improving so much.  In Jan this year, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, but she has coped really well.  This past year, I have seen a huge improvement in her. She no longer takes her anxiety medication, has been doing fantastic at school and has sat all her exams.   Then tonight, out the blue, I get a DM on Instagram from a "friend" of her's (an online friend) saying she is wondering how my daughter is as she has deleted her account for some reason and that she is so inspirational after her cancer ordeal?!  I haven't replied to this message.  My daughter doesn't and hasn't had cancer.  I desperatley want to help her.  I want to try and approach this carefully this time.  Last time, she done very similar she was younger, and I was so shocked and upset, I didn't handle it as well as I could.  She does talk to me, she doesn't shut me out.  She never sees friends outwith school, as she either isn't well enough or doesn't want to.  She always wants to be with me. I need to speak to her tomorrow about this, but I need to sort this properly this time, for her sake and mine.  I cannot keep going through this cycle, of thinking she has turned a corner, trusting her again and then I doscover more lies.  She has tried counselling before.  She had bereavement counselling when she was younger.  She has also had a few sessions late lastyear, based more on her anxiety and self esteem and confidence.  But she never continued with it, not wanting to, and also pressure of exams.  I know counselling isn't for everyone, but I feel she needs more help than I can provide.   Anyone been through similar? Any advice on how to handle this, why she is doing this? Thanks ... View more