DD is depressed

[Confusedbutheyho]

My DD just turned 16 and has slept straight for the past 3 weeks. She has zero motivation to study or go for a walk.

She’s usually chirpy but broke up from boyfriend 4 months ago and has turned into a very depressed miserable withdrawn teen with no sign of getting better.

How can I reach her? She refuses to talk and refuses to do any work from school. I’m at my wits end.

So sorry Confused, it must be so worrying for you. Have you tried talking to Youngminds?. They may be able to help

@confusedbutheyho does she have any close friends who can help her through this? Any cousins who she might relate to and talk to?

A lot of sixteen year olds go through this. Try to be there as much as you can for her and perhaps try keeping her as busy as possible so she is often distracted.

that sounds really tough, for both her and you. Do you think she would consider counselling sessions by phone? Childline offer them, and it might help her to talk to someone who doesn't know her? she can arrange regular sessions with them if the first one helps. I know It can feel hard to get to the stage where she is ready to talk, but it might be worth giving her the choice and the number.

@JiltedJohnsJulie @Sunshineeeee @sleepismysuperpower1

Thank you so much for those suggestions and links, I’m going to speak to her today and see if we can try them. She has good friends and cousins but I think she’s struggling not seeing them and how school ended so abruptly with no GCSE’s.

Thank you all again

I do really feel for them. I have a 16yo too and school ended so abruptly didn't it? No build up, no exams, no prom.

My younger DD is doing things with her friends whilst they video call, so things like baking the same simple recipe at the same time or doing the same yoga workout on YouTube. Do you think that might be something she might like to try, either with her friends or cousins?

How is she today Confused?

@JiltedJohnsJulie

Today’s been a mixed bag, we got out finally and she burst into tears at the park. When we got back she got all her fitness stuff out and did a work out but then took to her bed.

Thanks for the suggestions, she does love baking!

Although she’s not there yet finally getting her out into the sun and her doing exercise are positive steps.

She loves her friends and cousins and has been online doing bucket lists for after lock down so at least some positive signs! Thanks so much.

Glad she got out but sorry she found it overwhelming. The workout sounds positive too.

How would she feel about doing an online CBT course? You can find some that are specifically aimed at teens

I think she might be up for that. I’ll look into it, thanks for the suggestions and for the support

It really is very hard on teenagers
Especially with having no exams to focus on.
My dd spends her day on snapchat and Netflix but will try focus on some A level choices after Easter holidays where the school advises to take a break.