How can I help my depressed student daughter who is miles away
DEAR DEIDRE: Worrying about my depressed, drug-taking daughter is affecting my own mental health.
She lives 200 miles away at university and I don’t know how to help her.
I’m her 49-year-old mum, and she’s 20.
She’s had mental health issues for several years, and I was so relieved when she seemed so much stronger before going to university.
But since breaking up with her boyfriend last autumn and getting involved with a boy who has a chaotic life and does drugs, she’s gone downhill again.
She’s been experimenting with drugs and has admitted to me that she’s very stressed.
Although she’s been sensible and has seen her university GP and spoken to student welfare, she doesn’t seem to be getting enough counselling support.
I feel so far away and badly want to be there for her.
Thinking about whether she’s coping keeps me awake all night.
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DEIDRE SAYS: However old our children get, we worry about them and want to protect them.
It does sound like your daughter is aware she needs help, which is really positive. It’s also positive that she confides in you.
Keep in regular contact and make it clear you’re there for her.
She can also contact studentminds.org.uk (0113 343 8440) which helps students with their mental health.
If you want support too, contact familylives.org.uk (0808 800 2222).
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