New - Teenage daughter suffers

[anxietymom3]

Trying to find help for my teenage daughter. She has social anxiety and depression, says she's not lonely, she's alone. I am all she has. Doesn't know how to make friends. Most of this has developed from trust issues over her dad and a terrible boyfriend. Now at 15, she is in a shell and waffles between anxiety and depression. She has been diagnosed with trichotillomania and OCD (from age 8). There really are not any good counelors in our area. We are heading to Cincinnati in a few weeks. I have tried to encourage her to find a support group or something, anything to help at this point.

[Janieliza]

My daughter 13 and suffers from similar and she has autism. Combined these are horrendous. Yesterday she was pushed over and her face skidded across the concrete floor. This has basically convinced her that all she feels about herself is right. I know how heartbreaking this is for you. I don't like support groups for my daughter but it's a personal thing. I feel her confidence needs to get better before trying groups, again im only speaking as i know my daughter. Yours could benefit greatly from the interaction with others. Ive seen that before. I'm from the UK so I'm sorry I can't help much. I send you my best wishes. Take care.

[Agora1 in reply to Janieliza]

Janieliza, I'm sorry that your daughter got push yesterday, I hope she is okay physically. I can understand how the harm psychologically can hurt even more. xx

[Janieliza in reply to Agora1]

Thankyou lovely. She's a mess. Had nightmares thro the night, she just doesn't understand why. Lots of tears and reassurance from me. It's heartbreaking for any child with anxiety, to watch them deteriorate can be overwhelming. J x

[Agora1 in reply to Janieliza]

Janieliza, I sympathize with you in knowing it's the most helpless feeling in the world. I watch my daughter losing her battle with anorexia for the last 8 years. My heart goes out to you. xx

[Evietyler01]

Hello,

I suffered with social anxiety and a bit of depression growing up. It hits me sometimes now but very rarely. I suggest taking her out to do things that actually make her anxiety boost. Doing things that she has anxiety about might actullay help. She might have anxiety but once she overcomes the feeling at the moment. She will see how great it feels. I suggest it be something she's interested in just a little anxious about it. For depression I can only think of maybe not letting her be alone in her room or in a quiet place. Take her out to the movies or something to brighten her day. That's all I have,I hope all goes well. Good luck!