First time, first post. Apologies if this has been discussed before.My
18yr old daughter has severe social anxiety. Diagnosed, and treatment
for over 5 years. Her condition has had profound effect on her life
already, including the necessity of home ...
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First time, first post. Apologies if this has been discussed before.My
18yr old daughter has severe social anxiety. Diagnosed, and treatment
for over 5 years. Her condition has had profound effect on her life
already, including the necessity of home schooling. This has all been
documented by her G.P. As she is now 18 there is the pressure of finding
and maintaining a job. The very thought of this puts her in a spiral and
causes physical reactions, vomiting being just one. She is very keen to
get a job and gain some control over her anxiety. To help relieve the
stress and anxiety surrounding the process we would like to try to apply
for the DSP. We understand this would be temporary, the decision is
reviewed by c/link every two years. Compounding the issue further is our
location. We live in a very small rural town, the job opportunities are
extremely limited and the added anxiety of needing to interact with
people she knows is a stress she isn't handling well.She regularly sees
a psychologist, and takes her medication every day. She does not want to
hide under her blankets for the rest of her life. Unfortunately her
psychologist is more interested in pushing their own personal
experiences and opinions than looking at the issue as a whole. The
psychologist was out of home at 18, so according to them, so should my
daughter. I understand confidentiality to a point, but I don't know if I
can state the things my daughter has told me this "young persons health
professional" has said to her. One thing I feel is important to share
is, apparently, based on my daughters "looks" she should be out in the
world. The psychologist has flat out refused to support an application
for DSP. I don't know if this is the end of the road as far as that
goes, or is there something/somewhere else I can go to try and advocate
for my daughter. I am extremely concerned about repercussions if we are
to pursue a second opinion. If anyone is able to help point me in the
right direction, I would appreciate it beyond words.I suffer with mental
health issues as well. Sadly this makes the whole thing so much more
difficult. What may seem like the most obvious answer, won't occur to
me. My brain works like a formula 1 car attacking mount panorama, it
will go round and round and round until it crashes or wins the race.
Right now, I see the obstacles coming at me at full speed and I can't,
won't let my daughter down.
Psychiatrist
