Feeling lost

[Sheepie30]

So I live on a farm with my parents, I don’t drive but trying to learn to drive although it’s very hard to when I rely on other people and sometimes my anxiety gets the better of me so Its hard to drive with even my friends, because my parents are not very helpful, I have severe anxiety I feel very lost, I feel like I can’t get help because my parents don’t want to take me anywhere, there’s no transport around here where I live. I feel hopeless 😞

when I try talking to my parents all they do is talk about their problems 😞

just don’t know what to do anymore, anyone have any suggestions that be nice

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Sheepie30,

Welcome to the forum, Living out of town or where there is no transport can be tough. I am sorry that you are feeling stuck and struggling to get mobile and also feeling anxiety. It can be a difficult time for people when they are reaching for a greater level of independence. There are some things you could try to do that might help your anxiety. My first suggestion is to create a plan. If you wrote down a schedule of driving hours and sat down with your parents and went though the plan in order to make it achievable, it may help you to reach your goal of getting your licence. You could also write down how you are feeling to your parents (this might help them to hear what you feeling more clearly) and discuss the letter with them. This might trigger a more in-depth conversation with them about your anxiety.

If this is not possible, there is other support you can access via phone and internet right now. The Kids Help Line is a great place to have a chat with someone on the phone. The number is 1800 55 1800 and there is also a chat line which you can find by visiting the web site. https://kidshelpline.com.au Sometimes if you are really struggling, talking to someone can really help put things in perspective and help you work out a plan. This service is over the phone, you wouldn't have to go anywhere.

Another service that some people have found useful is called eheadspace which is another service where you can chat with someone in real time about what is going on for you. https://www.eheadspace.org.au You have to create an account and answer some questions to get access.

I wonder if there are any driving schools in a nearby town. You could ask your parents to support a few driving lessons with a driving school and this way you may build some confidence up more quickly when learning how to drive.

I also wonder if you could make an appointment with your school counsellor as they may be able to problem solve some options for you in finding ways to talk with your parents in a different way.

In any case, having a talk with someone will be a really good first step towards working on your anxiety and also getting some help to learn to drive. Keep posting on the forum and let us know how you are going - I am sure others will also post some suggestions.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn