How to help my daughter with anger & depression

[Louanne4]

I’m at a loss on how to help my 14 year old daughter. We’ve done everything to help her over the last year. She had social issues at school and bullying last year & after she started self harming/suicidal thoughts we ended up moving schools to be with her “best friend” of 8 years. Attendance wasn’t great but at least she was going most of the time. She had a friend groups although there was constant ups & downs.  She doesn’t tolerate bullshit & others being two faced, she just can’t ignore it & “fit in. This year it’s gone down hill again & something has triggered her anxiety do term 2 meant 4 days attendance in 5 weeks. At which point she agreed homeschool was what she wanted to do, which she’s been doing now for a few weeks. She does nothing outside the home, no other activities & doesn’t want to do anything. She’s refusing to to talk to anyone as she felt previously it didn’t help.She’s enjoying the relaxed nature of the home schooling but socially she has lost all her friends. Her “best friend” is now not talking to her, yet sending snaps of her & another girl hanging out. I’ve suggested activities she can do to try make new friends but she doesn’t went to do anything. She watches tv shows continuously, I think to take her minds off things. She’s started having panic attacks at bed time & she’s up & down with her moods. Gets so angry in an instant. I’m at a loss & feel so alone. I don’t know what to do to help her??!!

[Bob_22]

Hi Louanne4,

It sounds like you are in a very difficult position. Thank you for sharing with us and being such a caring parent. It also sounds like your daughter has been struggling with some mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts and anxiety. It might be best at this stage to have a chat with a GP about getting specialist help. Alternatively, headspace is a great youth mental health service for 12 - 25 year olds that offer free counselling and mental health support. They are a physical centre you can take your daughter to and they also run online sessions. You can find your closest headspace here: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/ 

I personally think some exercise or social sport would be great for your daughter to help with both her mental health and a social support. But I understand it has been difficult to get her out of the house. In this regard, kids helpline is another great resource who can offer support to your daughter. https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/story/i-was-struggling-my-mental-health? 

Here is some further information about anxiety which might help you and your daughter identify issues to raise with a professional: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety 

Hope this helps and please keep us updated.

Bob