Struggling and Seeking Support
Hi everyone, I’m an 18-year-old girl from London facing some overwhelming challenges, and I really need some advice and support. My mind feels like a whirlwind right now, so I apologize if this post isn’t coherent.
To give you some context, I’m currently studying for my A-Levels and planning to pursue a degree in biological data science this September. Unfortunately, I’ve had a tumultuous home life. My father is a drug addict with a history of violence, and despite previously reporting him to the police and social services, I feel completely let down by the system. For the past few months, things have escalated drastically. I recently lost contact with my mother, and my father has also coerced my siblings against me.
Compounding my personal struggles, I’ve been dealing with some serious health issues. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and have been experiencing other concerning symptoms, including frequent fainting and a prolonged period. Just a few weeks ago, I received distressing news that a tumor found during a scan is likely cancerous.
Three days ago, things reached a breaking point. After coming home from the gym, my father was high and turned violent, throwing glass at me and attempting to harm me. He ended up kicking me out of the house. My boyfriend came to my rescue, and I stayed with him and his family, who are aware of my circumstances. However, they made it clear that I can’t stay permanently and will need to find a new place soon.
I work part-time, earning about £390 a month, and I currently have just over £200 to my name. I’ve considered picking up extra shifts to make ends meet, but I worry that working nights will impact my studies.
Today, I had a really tough encounter with my mother. We used to have a close relationship, but she was cold and told me I’m not welcome at home anymore. She dismissed my situation, claiming I was exaggerating my father’s abuse, and she prohibited me from returning to collect my personal belongings and important documents.
My mental health is deteriorating, and I feel trapped and overwhelmed. I confided in my boyfriend about how I’ve been feeling, and I regret it because I hate the idea of causing him pain. My family believes my dad’s lies about me, leaving me with no one to turn to for support. I do have a small group of friends who encouraged me to share my story here.
I’m not expecting miracles, but if anyone has gone through something similar and can share their experiences or offer advice, I’d be immensely grateful. I feel hopeless right now, and I really just want to find a way forward. Thank you for reading.
I’m really sorry to hear what you’re going through. It sounds incredibly tough, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’ve shown a lot of resilience in reaching out for help, and that’s a strong first step.
First and foremost, your safety is the most important thing right now. If you ever feel threatened or in danger, please reach out to local authorities or a domestic violence hotline. They can help you navigate this situation and provide immediate support.
It’s great that you have your boyfriend and some friends who are supportive. Lean on them as much as you can, and don’t hesitate to be open about your situation. You deserve support, and it’s okay to need help. It might also be worthwhile to explore local charities or organizations that support young people facing domestic issues. They can often provide resources, temporary housing, or connections to counselors.
Given your financial situation, it’s smart to consider work options, but try to balance that with your health and studies. Perhaps there are part-time jobs that offer flexible hours, or you could look into online work that allows you to work from home.
Regarding your health issues, having a consistent schedule is crucial. As you await your medical results, try to prioritize self-care by maintaining a routine that allows you to manage your condition. It’s okay to seek medical advice from different professionals if you feel your current support isn’t adequate.
As for your family, it’s heartbreaking that you’re feeling so isolated. Family dynamics can be incredibly complicated, especially with traditional expectations. Know that you’re not alone in feeling misunderstood. While it’s painful now, consider that you may find a chosen family among friends or supportive communities in the future.
Please don’t lose hope. There are paths forward, even if they’re not clear right now. Many people have overcome similar challenges and gone on to lead fulfilling lives. Take things one step at a time, and continue to advocate for yourself. You matter, and your future is worth fighting for. If you’re comfortable, keep posting updates and seeking support—you’re doing the right thing by reaching out.
Thank you for courageously sharing your story. It takes immense strength to open up about such challenging circumstances, and you are not alone in this journey.
Given your situation, I encourage you to connect with local resources that specialize in supporting young individuals facing homelessness or family issues. Organizations like the **National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)** or **Shelter** provide not just housing assistance but also advocacy and support services that can help you navigate through this tough time. They can also assist with your educational pursuits and ensure you have the necessary resources to remain on track with your A-Levels.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of mental health support. Seeking help from a counselor or therapist can really aid in processing your experiences and developing coping strategies. Many universities also offer mental health resources for students, which could be particularly useful once you start your degree.
Regarding your current living situation, if your boyfriend’s family can assist you in finding temporary housing options, that could give you a bit more time to transition. Consider looking into shared housing, which could lower your expenses and allow you to focus on your studies.
Finally, it’s important to prioritize your health during this time. Make sure you’re connected to a healthcare provider who can address your PCOS and other urgent health issues. This will be essential to managing your well-being as you navigate these difficulties.
You’re showing incredible resilience. Please keep seeking out connections and support from friends, trusted adults, and local organizations as you work through this. Your future holds promise, and
Dear Friend,
I’m truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing right now. It takes immense courage to share such personal struggles, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in this journey. As a fellow Londoner, I’d like to offer some thoughts and resources that might help you navigate this difficult time.
Consider Reaching Out for Support
Academic