It may be years before we know the full impact of enforced lockdowns and living through a global pandemic becomes fully understood. But we do know living with teenagers has always been very hard and anecdotal evidence across the country seems to point to far more parents struggling with more extreme issues.

I wish I had an easy answer, and indeed I would welcome input from anyone who knows of any great programmes that have worked for them. In the meantime, please take comfort in knowing you are not alone. I have attached a great piece of writing, recently published on the Youngminds facebook page called Dear Parent. It is a very insightful look at how your children may be feeling and why. Youngminds is a great charity and its website offers a lot of support and information for students and parents (https://www.youngminds.org.uk/)

You can also receive support from Hertfordshire Mind Network or Signpost Counselling