looking for support

[Pug99]

hi, I am struggling to cope with my 17 year old daughters severe depression, recent suicide attempt, refusal to attend school and general breakdown in our relationship...feeling like a useless parent, but looking forward to hearing and sharing stories

[Gruffudd]

Hi there Pug,

Welcome, nice to meet you. It does sound really rather full on with all that is going on for your daughter. Please do explore the different parts of these forums and have a look at the resources on the Beyond Blue. It is a good time to think about you too, are there things that you can do to feel good and look after yourself? Being there for your daughter is important so a little spoiling of you is in order too. Hope to see you on the forums. All the best.

Rob.

[blondguy]

Hello Pug99

A warm welcome to the BB Forums and thankyou for having the courage to post

You are not a useless parent in anyway Pug. You are doing everything you can and very pro-active from what I see...and well done to you!

My daughter 'refused' to go to school in the middle of year 10....and has never been back. As a parent I had no help from the school and had to let her find her own way. I was not a 'Helicopter' parent....Firm but Kind...it still didnt work. I do feel and understand your pain Pug

The school psychologist did let me know very firmly that the teenage girls present more of a problem than the boys do. That didnt really help me...and in the end my daughter took the 'easy' way out....I have resigned myself to just be there for her if she needs me. She is in her early 20's now. No drugs or addictions present that I am aware of which is my main focus right now.

The breakdown in your relationship as you mentioned is your daughter rebelling against the system..not you! My daughter also had the same 'attempt' as yours...I empathize with what you are going through Pug..

You mentioned 'severe depression' Pug.....was that diagnosed by a GP/Psychologist? (If I may ask you)

Kind Thoughts for You

Paul

[OhmeOhmy]

Hi Pugg

Sorry to hear that your daughter is unwell.  It's so hard when our kids are unwell particularly when it's mental health issues as there is not as much understanding of it all. People just don't know what to say so they don't say anything which can leave you feeling pretty alone and isolated.  Have you thought of reaching out to a support group for parents and family of people suffering mental illness.  It might help to feel that you are not so alone and that there is support and understanding out there.  Please take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. Remember if you are kind and gentle with yourself you are modelling this for your daughter.  Let us know how you are doing.