School refusal. What to do?

[Victra]

Ds15 has not been to school since before Christmas and I don’t know what to do. I have no one in real life to talk to apart from the school and of course they just want him in.

He’s never enjoyed school and his attendance in high school has always been a problem but since September he’s been suffering with bad anxiety and says he has forced himself to go for so long and just can’t do it anymore.

I separated from his abusive Dad end of September so I’m sure that is playing a part, even though he says it’s not that. He wants nothing to do with his Dad and is happy we left. Maybe it’s just the fact that he can finally be open and honest about how he’s feeling without fear of his Dad’s reaction.

The Gp has referred him to CAMHS but it’s a long wait apparently and the school have put him down for counselling but he has to be going to school.

He likes his subjects, has lots of friends, no bullying issues and despite the fact that his attendance is so low he’s still doing really well. It’s just actually being at school that is making him so ill.

The school have given him a part time timetable but he still panics, doesn’t sleep, he’s crying and just won’t go. I can’t force him in but I’m so worried about what he’s missing.

I’ve looked into internet schools but they are just too expensive and I couldn’t home school him myself.

I’m on my own with no help or support and I’m not coping very well with this. I Don’t know what other options there are or if we just need to wait for camhs appointment.

[Girlattheback]

That’s great he’s had a health check. Not sleeping well can have a huge impact on their moods as I’m sure you know. It sounds like you’re both having a really tough time.

Have you looked at any apps like headspace that could help him with general mood and sleeping?

[user1493494961]

What does he do with himself during the day when he's not at school?

[Victra]

@user1493494961 does homework, reads, watches tv, walks the dog. I'm worried that he's becoming depressed.
He wants to learn from home but there's no way for him to access what's going on in lessons apart from any homework that is set online. Unless he goes in.