I'm new to this forum. I have a 16 y/o son who struggles a lot with social and emtional issues. He has very few friends, he struggles with time management, impulse control, the ability to take accountability etc... He most definitely has ADHD but medication has had too many side effects. About four months ago a difficult bullying situation was brought to our attention (following several other, non-related bullying incidents where he was targeted over the past few years in high school). It was a situation that pushed every one of my buttons and I essentially had a nervous break down (panic attacks, stopped sleeping, required medication for sleep). I have always been a very emotionally involved mom. I'm a mental health practitioner myself who helps teens and their parents navigate this difficult stage. I think my emotional crash was heightened because I felt that I should know better how to handle it all. Now, four months later, I am not in as a consistent difficult emotional place, but I find myself worrying so much about him and have had several anxiety back slides as well. The fact that he can very difficult to parent makes the situation more complicated because he is not what you'd consider a meek "victim" like some bully targets. I am wondering if anyone else is trying to find some distance from their teen's emotional roller coaster, while still remaining loving and supportive. The parenting difficulties even began to stress our marriage. We have four therapists that we are seeing currently (one for me, one for my husband, one for my 16 y/o and a family therapist). I thought hearing from other parents who may understand the vascillating emotions of worry, frustration, anger and all the positives (love, pride, relief) when things are occasionally going well...would help me find my balance.
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