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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

DD anxiety through the roof starting 6th form college

5 replies

Sargey16 · 10/09/2021 06:05

Our DD who is 16 has anxiety which is triggered by change (we've had settling in issues everything time she's transitioned into a new school for example). On top of that she has PTSD from the Manchester Arena attack that is triggered in loud crowds.

She left her primary friends to go to a high school out of area that specialised in performing arts which she loved. Through lockdown she then lost her passion and decided she wanted to go down an academic route after GCSE;s although not knowing what she might want to do next).

So, to cut a long story short - she;s started 6th form college this week and is desperately unhappy. She feels like everyone else is already in groups of friends and she's alone. She knows a few people but not well and panics about what to do in free periods, breaks etc. She has been invited to join groups at lunchtime which she has done but she hates feeling like an outsider.

She's come home and sobbed all evening for the last 2 days.

We are looking at getting her some counselling support but wondered if anyone else has been though something similar - does it get easier? I hate seeing her like this, it's heartbreaking

OP posts:
UnsuitableHat · 10/09/2021 06:13

Is there someone at the college you could mention this to e.g. a personal tutor? They might be able to offer a bit of support.
I work in a 6FC and can imagine that a lot of new students feel like this. It’s easy to feel that everyone knows each other. I hope your DD settles before too long. It sounds as if you’re being really supportive.

trunumber · 10/09/2021 06:27

Has she has help from the resilience hub in relation to the bombing - I hear they're very good( (and may be able to help with the anxiety too?)

Sargey16 · 10/09/2021 07:15

@UnsuitableHat

Is there someone at the college you could mention this to e.g. a personal tutor? They might be able to offer a bit of support. I work in a 6FC and can imagine that a lot of new students feel like this. It’s easy to feel that everyone knows each other. I hope your DD settles before too long. It sounds as if you’re being really supportive.
They seem to have a good wellbeing team there and on site counsellors but at the moment she says she doesn't want to speak to them as she doesn't want to be there at all. I might email them and see if they can keep an eye out for her
OP posts:
Sargey16 · 10/09/2021 07:17

@trunumber

Has she has help from the resilience hub in relation to the bombing - I hear they're very good( (and may be able to help with the anxiety too?)
She had some at the time which was good and it did help but she still struggles from time to time. When she's in a crisis like now she seems to Forget all her coping mechanisms
OP posts:
trunumber · 10/09/2021 07:42

Maybe worth contacting them again and seeing if they can offer anything?

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