А mum's worst nightmare 'WE GOT THROUGH IT TOGETHER'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|March 28, 2022
Melanie thought her daughter was just being a 'typical teen, but there was more going on
Fleur Guthrie
А mum's worst nightmare 'WE GOT THROUGH IT TOGETHER'

HELP IS HERE

Need to talk? 1737 - free call or text 24/7 to talk to a trained counsellor Lifeline -0800 543 354

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Information about suicide prevention can be found at mentalhealth.org.nz/ suicide prevention

Throughout high school, Alex Medland had always been a high-achieving, self-motivated student, putting the pursuit of A-grades ahead of her mental wellbeing.

And mum Melanie reckons when you're a bit of a perfectionist, like her eldest daughter, you follow through with 100 percent commitment to everything - including anxiety and depression.

Although the pair can share a wry smile about it now, they don't downplay the family's suffering after journeying alongside Alex, then 17, as she battled severe mental illness in 2018.

What started with regular tears, a panic attack at her school ball and slowly withdrawing from family time, scarily turned into depression, self-harm and attempted suicide.

“Sometimes when your child gets sick, you think it's your teenager just being a teenager and you don't know if them sleeping in is something you need to be more concerned about," says Melanie.

Denne historien er fra March 28, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 28, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYSe alt
The perfect GETAWAY
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

The perfect GETAWAY

From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Message in a BOTTLE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Message in a BOTTLE

Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Empowered & thriving!  PERFECT AT ANY AGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE

Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE

From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT

The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD

After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART

After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро

It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART

The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB

The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024