So awesome hearing others experiences. I did suffer from deep depression and almost committed suicide in my teens. What did my mother do to help me after she found that out....she got me a kitten and that sweet animal was my saving angel. I was so worried about her needs and care I forget about my depression. She was with me all through high school and college and very much got me through my depression. I love animals a lot especially kitties 😊 I was also on antidepressants and still am on one now, I didn't like public school so finished high school in a small private school, and as I mentioned before had the consistent love and support from my mother. I will be lifting up lots of prayers for you both!! Keep us updated on how you are both doing!! *hugs*

I also have had my symptoms throughout my childhood and teens. It is lucky that they aren't blaming your daughter's pain on growth--that is what they did to me for almost a decade (can't totally blame them, I did end up being 5'9" lol). I too had some mental health issues around the same age. My mom was concerned that I did not confide in anyone, I'd barely talk, so she started taking me to therapy. I continued therapy into my senior year of high school. I think it helped tremendously.

As a self-starter/motivator, I decided to take an alternative schooling route. After hip surgery one summer, I decided that I wanted to do independent study (a sort of home-schooling without your parents being the one to actually teach you). I also attended community college courses. This gave me a lot of freedom to work when I worked best, sleep when I was tired, etc. My parents were reluctant at first but we agree now that it worked out really well for me. I made sure to also participate in some extracurriculars that would keep me socializing with peers. For me, that was continuing to dance.

My parents are so helpful when I feel ill. My mom even drove the hour to my apartment just last weekend because I was in so much pain. She helped clean up, made sure I had food, etc. I think having a supportive family who pays attention to and acknowledges the legitimacy of your pain is so essential. It sounds like you are already doing just that.

I'd say, continue to do what you're doing. Make sure she knows she can still do anything she puts her mind to without being defined by either her mental health or her physical health. Encourage alternatives that may not initially be on your radar. Don't worry about her not having a "normal experience." Lastly, once she goes to college (if that's her wish) make sure to get her in tough with whatever disabilities resource office the campus has. They can definitely help. Also, check into the counseling center--she can have regular sessions to help her cope and they might also have a group therapy specifically for chronic illness (like mine did!).

Good luck to both of you!

What helped me get through my Fibro as a teen was the love and support of my mother. She didn't make my illness the center focus but my dreams and goals. High school then College was rough for me because of the pain and fatigue so mother often would fix me my favorite comfort foods, surprise me with new CDs of music to listen to while studying or even some new soft comfy clothes to relax in as well. Activity is also important with Fibro. In spite of pain ya gotta move and exercise so when I fell in love with Irish dance, my mother encouraged it and when my Fibro flared up because of dance, she'd help me gather up towels and comfy clothes so I could go soak in a nice hot bath and take ibuprofen to relieve any pain. So she made it all about who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, and we'd work through the Fibro one incident at a time. That is how I still do things now and yes some days are pretty bad but my hubby and mother still support me and do get me through those times and the good days always outshine the tough ones 😊

My mother is 66 and she has it. She was in her early late 40's when she was diagnosed. I was diagnosed at 18 but showed symptoms at 16 (I'm now 39), my sister has it she's 45 but was diagnosed in her 30's, and her daughter has it too and was diagnosed at 19. So it does run in our family. I had it the worst growing up with it as a teenager and my mother was my biggest support.

Today is a great day for both Emily and myself. Going for Easter dinner and will be filled with love and laughter. We heard yesterday my oldest and Emilys only siblind is having a baby.Gives her something to look forward to😁
Blessing to you all.