Hi @missymoo13 , welcome to the ReachOut community! It takes strength to reach out for support, and your willingness to connect here shows just how resilient you are as a parent. It's clear that you care deeply about your children and their well-being.  I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges you and your family have faced and are currently facing. Dealing with family violence and the subsequent impacts on your children sounds incredibly painful and overwhelming, and I wanted to acknowledge your courage in facing such difficult circumstances. It's understandable to feel let down by systems that were meant to protect your family. Your commitment to self-care amidst these circumstances is admirable. Taking care of yourself, no matter how small the gesture, is crucial during tough times. Your tip for parents navigating the teenage years is insightful and reflective of your understanding of the importance of giving teens the space to grow and discover themselves. It can be really important to strike that balance between offering support and granting independence.  I encourage you to create your own thread here to share more about your journey and to connect with other parents who may be going through similar challenges. And I wish you all the luck in finding connection and support within the ReachOut community ... View more

Hi @Aussiedutchie  I'm so sorry that your son is feeling this way, and it was really good that he was able to come and talk openly to you, and explain what is going on. You're right, he does seem to be very insightful. In regards to his feelings of sadness, I've included this article on Depression as something you can look over and see if these are things he may be able to relate to. However, as we are an Australian-based service, the references to getting a Mental Health Plan via a GP may not apply in NZ. So I have included the details for Youthline NZ which provide a variety of information and offer free phone and webchat support, as well as counselling services for both parents and young people.     ... View more