DD, 14, has been off school for two months after a breakdown in her mental health left her at the mercy of frequent panic attacks and a severe depression. With the help of some outstandingly supportive pastoral staff and teachers at her large comprehensive she is beginning to return to the classroom for a couple of hours a week. To her distress however she has discovered that a significant number of students across several year groups have entertained themselves by spreading all kinds of lurid gossip about the reasons for her absence and she is feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of fitting back in and reclaiming her reputation. What advice can I give her beyond "ignore it", "don't engage"...? Anyone with any useful experience to share...?