Hi,
I live in a small country town in NSW. My 23 year old daughter lives with me. She is studying a university degree by distance. This is her final year and during it she has had to take high level units as she is also doing honours. Because of her social anxiety she has put off doing work placement (she has to do 12 weeks) so this is something she also has to fit in and find the courage to do.
I have gained work in central Queensland where my three adult (her brothers) live/work. Ideally we would live in the same town as them and I would drive to a neighbouring town for work. My daughter has lost contact with those she went to school with so has no friends. I am her only friend and confidante.
My sons dearly want us up there, but my daughter is so anxious that she is fearful that her studies will suffer. She’s worried her brothers will push her to be more social and not completely understand her anxiety. I do wonder if having them to interact with may help her, but worry it may exasperate her anxiety.
I will either let my sons down by not going or let her down by dragging her away from her “safe place”.
She refuses to seek professional help for her anxiety.
I don’t have to move, but am confused and upset about what’s best to do. Part of my thinks I should support my daughter through this last difficult year at uni and then reassess the move if another job becomes available.
Any suggestions or ideas would be wonderful.
Thank you
