Mum of a 16yr old with mental health issues. Hoping to connect with other Mums<object type="cosymantecnisbfw" cotype="cs" id="SILOBFWOBJECTID" style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block;"></object>

[LisaT]

I have a 16 yr old daughter who was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with an eating disorder known as EDNOS, she has self harmed and has excessive scarring on her arms and upper thighs. Her psych is pretty certain that she has borderline personality disorder but is reluctant to officially diagnose her until she is 18. Five months ago she tried to OD and ended up in hospital for 3 days. It has been very difficult for me to come to terms with what she tried to do. Can anybody relate? I don't know anyone who's teen has mental health issues and there are times when I just wish I could talk to someone who can relate.

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[CrashCoyote]

Hi LisaT,

It sounds like your daughter is getting appropriate treatment so your post is more about how you can better manage. Yes?

My ex wife has been gas lighting my third daughter for years and from the age of ten, the child that was such a daddies girl is now full of vitriol and hate for me. She does not even see me. Attempts to communicate meet with no response or cruel replies. In six years she has become a person that I never thought any of my children would become.

Of course, this stresses me everyday. Not just for her emotional health but for the damage to the extended family and her siblings. She will not see any of my side of the family, including her baby niece.

If it helps, I often tell myself that I can only be responsible for my own behaviours. As a dad I have always done my best (like most parents), I have always provided emotionally and financially, I'd go to P & C meetings, tend canteen, go to excursions - at least until the youngest left primary school - so like to think I was at least as full on as the next parent!

Just take it easy on yourself if you can. You will never stop worrying about your daughter. You can only be there for her, which it seems you are, and hope that her future decisions improve. Many young girls with eating disorders beat the condition. It will be a tough road for you and her, but you are doing the right thing.

I will keep an eye out for your posts.

Kind regards, John.

[Georgiacat]

Hi,

I know how you feel....or at least I think I do, helpless!

I have a 20 yr old daughter who contemplated suicide one year ago, she was placed in a MHF for a while and the story goes on. It has been one tough year, she is has OCD, General Anxiety Disorder and diagnosed Bi-Polar but I believe she is more Borderline Personality. We have seen 5 different Psychologist for counseling before she found one that the would actually talk to and feel comfortable. We/she still struggles every day with something and my heart breaks for her. I have another daughter who is 19 and suffers from General Anxiety also and major panic attacks. No only am I so sad my children have to deal with such problems along with daily life at times I just don't know if I can handle it. I don't know if I can be any help to you but my ears are open and would enjoy chatting if you want.

Cat