Anonymous wrote:What is the best course of action for a teen-ager whose mother is contributing to their chronic illness, taking them to unnecessary dr's appointments, keeping them out of school, and using the child's illness to win attention? The teen is afraid to rock the boat for fear of repercussions. Are there helplines to call?

So the teen as a chronic illness and you are blaming the mother for making it worse? You sound nuts. There was a recent case in the news of a mom who traveled far and wide for her child's illness only to be called crazy and reported for faking. The mom committed suicide. Turned out the child had a rare illness. Teens can be dramatic. Who knows what is real. Your best bet is to simply encourage therapy and let the therapist sort it out. Don't risk destroying a family because you think you know reality.

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. For the record, before this mother had kids, she had many undiagnosed health complaints, and went to dozens of doctors over the years trying to diagnose mystery illnesses. We all know that women's symptoms get dismissed, so I didn't question at the time, but I do think it's odd that ever since child got diagnosed with this bigger illness, the parent has stopped having health issues of their own.

Health issues run in families. Mine are the same as my moms but I got it much much worse than anyone. You sound horrible.

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. My step-kids' mom has munchausens by proxy. CPS is about all you can do. We finally got it a bit under control by leaning in. The 137 pound 5'2" 17 year old had already been taken out of school for two months to go to daily anorexia clinic. We pushed hard to get her into residential. it made no sense at all but finally all the medications were controlled by one source and the kid wasn't being brainwashed constantly. It was incredibly helpful.

5’2” and 137lbs seems overweight, not under.

I’m 5’6 and am 120lbs