Hi Mummas, I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with their teenager suffering from anxiety and depression? I need some help.. but not for them, for ME. I feel so lost, exhausted and hopeless. My child has an anxiety related eating disorder. They are receiving treatment and are doing well physically, it’s the mental component that’s proving more difficult to contend with. I have given my all for the 18 months this has been happening but it has really taken a toll on my own mental health. I am usually a positive, happy person but I feel this weight in my stomach and on my chest that is starting to become a constant. My poor child is so negative and pessimistic, refuses to look for or see any positives or hope and it is exhausting. They hate change or any deviation to their usual routines or when things don’t go their way. When these changes come up, as change does in life, they get upset, angry and even hit themselves. It’s so distressing. I try to reason with them and point out other perspectives and why these situations are good but they just refute everything I say or shoot down what I suggest to help. Sometimes I feel like they’re happier being miserable. And when things are really low I seem to bear the brunt of their sadness, anger or low moods as I know they feel safe to direct it at me because I’m the mum and I’ll love them anyway, but I feel a metaphorical punching bag. I feel like I have almost nothing left for my other child.
And I feel so guilty for having these feelings because it’s not their fault they’re like this, it’s the illness.
What can I do to help myself help them? Can anyone suggest some something that they found that helped? I am losing who I am and I miss when things were normal, when we were all happy. This mental illness is ruining our lives. Any suggestions given with kindness are most welcome, especially ones coming from experience.
Sorry for the long post that’s all over the place and thank you in advance x
Teenager with anxiety/depression
Teenager with anxiety/depression
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
4 Replies
Psychologist and medication. Anti depressants are good when you need them. Helps with weight too.
Child psychologist will help you both. Get in ASAP.
So many hugs for you right now, only those going through having a child with an eating disorder can relate. It is relentless, and yes causes anxiety for the whole family, our beautiful 9 year old boy is as you've described. Continue to give them unconditional love (hopefully they have support understanding the system is difficult) but for the carers it can be soul destroying. Self care is really important, pick one thing every day away from the consuming ED to do for yourself, the world will go on surprisingly and will often be better once you can take a breath. The butterfly foundation are always there to talk to, EDV are a great support, join them if you haven't, its a community no one wants to belong to but there are like journeys and support suggestions. I wish I could hug you, please take care 💜
Thank you so much for your response. I am the original poster and your beautiful, gentle words have made me all teary, thank you for your support and kindness, just that alone has helped me. I will get onto the Butterfly Foundation and look into EDV.
Much love to you also, it’s comforting not to be alone in this 💛