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Teenagers

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

Original poster

Please help school kicking depressed son out.

29 replies

Pinkpepper79 · 20/03/2022 16:38

Hi I am just after some advice. My son is seriously depressed and under the GP. He has fallen behind with his school work and because of this his attendance is low so he is falling further behind. The school have given him 2 weeks to to catch up with all his work or he will be asked to leave. Any advise is really appreciated

OP posts:
bellac11 · 20/03/2022 20:52

Does he go out a lot, he might be smoking dope which is not good for depression and anxiety

In any case you need to know whether he will engage in any prescribed medication and counselling and if hes not going to return to school (which with the best will in the world sounds like he cant manage), he needs something else as school counselling wont be available once he leaves.

What are the voluntary services in your area for young substance users who can talk about his drinking?

Hellenbach · 20/03/2022 21:00

Contact your local SENDIASS for support with the school. They need to recognise this as a health issue, not a behaviour problem.
Get the GP to refer your son to the CAMHs crisis hub. Or if possible pay to see a private psychiatrist.
Support your son. Tell him you are there to help him.

Nat6999 · 20/03/2022 22:13

I've just been through exactly the same thing with ds, ASD, Anxiety & Depression. Sixth form head was absolutely horrible, refused to accept anything about his mental health or SEN. He left in October & got a lovely job working as a Social Media Manager for a local branch political party, he is happy, enjoying what he is doing & considering at some point doing an OU degree in social sciences.

Porcupineintherough · 27/03/2022 09:02

The thing about A levels is, when you get behind, it can be very hard to catch up, esp if you are still unwell. So dropping out of 6th form might not be a bad thing, gets him out of the cycle of not managing and falling further and further behind.

Socially though school can be useful. Does he have other social outlets through hobbies etc so he doesnt end up stick alone at home?

The main thing atm is getting him in a better place mentally. A levels (or whatever) will always be there if he wants to do them.

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