Time for a come to Jesus conversation with DD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m probably the minority, but I hate the idea of taking teens to therapy unless there is an actual mental health illness diagnosed by a psychiatrist and the therapist is part of the treatment plan made by her doctor. Otherwise, no. Teens need to learn to be resilient and how to problem solve.

This sounds like is could be normal teen drama. I’d have the come to Jesus talk with the focus on grades. All the other stuff doesn’t matter. But her grades are going to be her ticket to the future she wants. She is closing doors and losing opportunities if she checks out of school- you need to a light a fire under her about that.

If you suspect she is clinically depressed (which she might be, no one here can say), take her to a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Start with her pediatrician if you don’t know where to start.

That's what a good therapist does -- teach teens (and others) how to problem solve and be resilient. You don't learn those skills merely by trying harder.

OP here. This is what I’ve been thinking. Thank you for this comment, I feel more confident in my course of action now.

You may not have to approach her CTJ style.

All I said to my daughter was “would you like to talk to someone other than me?” It was really that simple, she probably didn’t know how to ask me for help at the time (15.5y).

That’s not to say any of this is simple or easy, my daughter has had some significant struggles. Thank goodness for therapy and meds.