Ds and mood

[Hamjamwich]

So worried about ds. He is 15. He went out again last night in running gear. Just shorts and t shirt. Pouring with rain and freezing. He wouldn't come back when we text him. Just stood in a bus shelter for nearly 2 hours. Was out 6-9 pm. Won't tell us anything. Fortunately, I could read his messages to his friend and he was saying that people at school don't want to be around him and he feels down.
I asked him this morning to chat to pastoral at school (he trusts them) and he just said there's nothing wrong.
I was so worried. With the dark and bad weather. It's not safe to be there alone in the dark. I just don't know what to do?

I couldn't read this and not respond. I'd be worried too, it's such an intense age.

Was he on his own at the bus shelter?
Do you know what he means by his messages - is he being bullied, or is he socially awkward, does he feel he doesn't fit in?

It's so hard to get them to open up at that age, but you have to keep trying. Just keep letting him know you love him and support him.

Sorry to hear that he's having a hard time. Not really sure what you can do except tell him that he can talk, tell him you love him, cook his favourite food and maybe arrange something nice as a family that he enjoys. Could you call the school and explain the situation, maybe the pastoral team could talk to him but make it not look like you have called them.

It can be horrible being a teenager :( But it can also be v difficult being a teenager's mum. Try and keep communication open even if it is just spending time together chatting in the car or watching something together.

I am sure someone with more experience of how to treat teens will give you some good advice. I have teens and we have lots of ups and downs. Not sure how great a job I am doing with it all at the moment.

I've nothing to add really but just want to offer a virtual handhold.

How is he today?