My 17 year old daughter, currently studying for her A levels, has a boyfriend of the same age who suffers from anxiety/depression. For the past month or so he has been holed up in his bedroom, refusing to leave the house. He has given up an apprenticeship due to panic attacks and so is now also jobless. She stays with him every weekend and doesn't seem bothered about being stuck with him in his room, eating junk food and watching TV. At the moment she is still focused on her school work and is getting good grades in her mocks, but I am very worried that she will fall into the pit with him and give up her education. This, also, is not the life I want for my daughter..
He's a nice boy, bright and witty when he's well, and I do feel for him having myself had a nervous breakdown in the past. Every time I try to broach the subject with her she is both defensive and dismissive of my concerns. She is studying psychology and aspires to eventually become a psychologist, and she does tend to gravitate towards people with mental health issues as they obviously interest her. This has now also become a love interest and I think she feels it her duty to support him and look after him. I do admire her for this, but at the same time want something better for her - she should be out enjoying herself in her spare time, not stuck in a room!
Does anyone have any advice on how to handle this - she is very stubborn, determined and strong willed and when she has her mind set on something it is virtually impossible to persuade her otherwise.