Our 17 year old daughter has been on medication for anxiety and depression for about 3 years,   Thats about the only step she has made towards supporting herself. We’ve tried a psychologist for a while, even got into a psychiatrist ( at her request), and she cancelled after one visit as she decide she was ‘fine’. She won’t attempt any of the strategies to try and help herself, usually won’t come out of her room at all on weekends, and sleeps all the time. This is despite constant attempts by us ( both parents and older sister) to re-engage with us. She won’t go outside, exercise or have a go at anything new. She is on a part time timetable at school , with only the easiest subjects. She finishes the work quickly as she’s very capable , but then she’s bored. she does nothing around the house, we give her a small amount of money each week, up but only so she won’t steal it from us ( which she has done regularly in the past). She has previously has 2 part time jobs, both of which she said were too stressful ( fast food and retail).  my husband is at the end of his tether, as he believes that everything that we’ve done to support her and to try and take away stressors, now means that she won’t help herself and everything’s too easy.  He’s ready to help her move out, but i can’t even entertain the idea. But maybe he’s right?  Is just loving her not enough? We’re not on the same page about this at all, which is also very stressful. She starts a 2 week CERT 2 placement tomorrow at a primary school which she has been looking forward to for months, but what happens when it’s done? Is there a way to support her to want to get help? And what do we do if she won’t? We’re at a loss here, and finding it very hard to move forward.   Anyone else have similar issues? Help! ... View more

Hi all, My husband and I are really worried about our 16yo daughters path at the moment. After overcoming significant health issues over the last 2 years, her mental health has declined, she won’t go to counselling and has a new group of friends that are influencing her to drink. We are worried the next step will be drugs. She’s already admitted to trying vaping and marijuana, and just seems really unhappy at home. She’s also been shoplifting, and was caught recently with almost very serious consequences. She admits it’s for attention and the thrill ( it’s the first time she’s been caught). What do we do in terms of consequences for these poor choices? She  isn’t really interested in anything, Like sport or music, we’re at a loss as to how to support her. She really enjoys fostering kittens for a local organisation. This is something we do as a family, and I can’t take that away as a consequence. shes always had a great relationship with both of us, and until recently was able to confide in other family members as well. This has changed since my mum decided to confront her about some  of her lifestyle choices in front of us and “not pussyfoot around the issues any more” ( inferrring that we were!). Our daughter was so upset and feels she can’t trust them any more. She has anxiety and this was her worst nightmare. We are all hoping this years start at a new school for year 11, new courses and structure, will be what she needs, but trying to help her make good choices in the meantime is stressing us both out.  Help!  ... View more