Child in mental health unit Victoria

Have you spoken to her doctors in the hospital?

Awwww @Cazantal ,

That sounds so so so hard for both your daughter and you.

You are certainly not alone. Has this been going on for a while now? Is there plan for a discharge soon?

There are youth mental health services out there, but I feel a lot of the pressure will be on you - if it isn't already.

You are not alone in this. I hear there's a bit of a long journey ahead. I hope the hospital will be able to link you in to some supports.

Feel free to have a look at SANE Recovery Club if you haven't already: https://www.sane.org/recovery-club It may help you find a way forward through this.

I hear how hard it is. Please know we are sitting with you.

G;day @16sundayz , good to see you too.

Hey @Cazantal

I am so sorry to hear that you and your daughter are going through such a painful time. I can feel how much you're carrying. Being a single mum to four is a massive job on a good day, but doing it while one child is in crisis, especially with the history your family has navigated, is exhausting beyond words 💚

It is rather common (though terrifying) for a child's behaviour to decline once they are admitted. For many young people, the hospital can sometimes be the first place they feel "safe" enough to let the full weight of their distress out. They stop trying to keep it all together for the outside world, and it all boils over. At the same time, for some young folk, the hospital can be really scary and take time to adjust to the new environment.

It is really heartbreaking when talking to you seems to make her worse, but please try not to take it as a rejection. Often, parents are a safe landing spot. When she sees or hears you, it might remind her of the world outside and the big emotions she's struggling to manage. Sometimes, young people will push away the people they love most because that connection is the most intense.

I also want to add that the "heavy stuff" burden is very real. When you have dealt with intervention orders and trauma, it can feel like your life is "too much" for friends to hear. But you deserve a space where you don't have to filter yourself.

I would really recommend contacting one of the hospital's social workers. Their job isn't just the patient; they also ensure the family is supported when your daughter eventually comes home.

You are doing an incredible job under impossible circumstances. Sending you and your kids so much strength 💚

Hi there @Cazantal , we're thinking about you. How are things going?

Hi. We were discharged Monday just past. First night was bad. She slept with me. And yeh. Been getting better day by day.

Hardest part is the anxiety. She is scared to go back to school etc. It's making her nauseas etc.

@Cazantal , is the school able to support at all with the school can't? Even if she starts on a reduced schedule (start later, finish earlier)?

I've seen a lot of kids who struggle with school can't. It's becoming more and more common. I guess it's about working with the school to come up with a return to school plan that works for you both.

Please look after yourself. Have you engaged in any self-care at this time?

School are working with us to make it as easy as it can be for her .

Self care . If you call.working everyday self care.

I have tomorrow off, so might go for a walk.

But yeh. It's all about her at the moment

I'm glad to hear that the school is working with you. It's not easy as a parent, and sometimes when they cry to be picked up, it's just much easier to just 'save' them. @Cazantal

I was reading Let Them Be theory, and it spoke about how the author supported her child through anxiety. Long story short, she had to be cruel to be kind.

But I hear it's not easy at all.

Work can provide a bit of distraction, but I know it doesn't take the worry away.

Please take care and look after yourself.