Depressed 18 yr old daughter.

[andreahazeleyes]

Hi, can anyone give me some advice. My 18 yr old daughter has been very depressed for the past few weeks. She has split up with her first boyfriend who she has been with for a few years. She also feels under a lot of pressure at college with A level exams looming. She is refusing to speak about it in any detail to me or to have any counselling or see her GP. She is just staying in her room and only comes downstairs to eat and drink. Her personal hygiene seems to be going out the window too. I am so concerned as her ex boyfriend contacted me on Sunday and told me she has been saying she wants to end it all. I have told her college and they are very supportive and are also trying to persuade her to have counselling. As she is 18 now and classed as an adult I feel limited as to what I can do. I am starting to feel exhausted and ill myself. I cannot reach her and feel like she has closed herself off from me. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My 17 year old daughter is the same. She's a top student but is very quiet at school but lets off steam at home. I know that by indulging her, it makes things worse because she feels life is passing her by. I don't know what to do for the best.

Sorry, you wanted advice didn't you. All I can suggest I'm afraid is to let her know that you're there for her whenever she needs you.

do you think any of her friends could persuade her to talk to someone?

andrea I have an 18yo daughter who has suffered badly with anxiety and I know how difficult it is when they won't talk to you. My DD spoke to the exams officer at her school who was really helpful and kind - I think because she is not on the teaching staff, DD felt she wasn't being as 'judged' as she would have been speaking to a teacher/counsellor. Would this be an option for your DD?

My DD is in her A2 year too and it is really tough - I myself have felt overwhelmed with it all, so I can understand how you must feel so worried and exhausted, on top of all your other worries. I think the advice of trying to get one of her friends to encourage her to speak to someone is a very good idea.

I'm also 18 and depressed. I have been since 14. She needs to take up a hobby and keep herself busy, I would take my own advice, but I don't know what hobby to take up. exams are tough and made me near suicidal at school, and thats why I quit college, I can't cope with it. She needs to go to a GP who will refer her to a councillor if it's that bad. they told me they can't do anything. but your doctors might be better than mine.