<p>I'm technically an up coming high school senior (17). Who is hoping for some advice? I have had many challenges thought high school. My mom as had a mental illness for as long as I can remember. Im unsure of the official name basically you sees things different or thinks others are out to hurt her. She has been hospitalized many times thought my life. My parents are also divorced. My dad moved out in middle school but my grandmother had him come back while my mom was in the hospital. He then officially moved out at the end of my freshman year a few weeks before exams. I live with my mom. I also have ADD but am taking no medication or receiving treatment for it. Im also dyslexic. I have always worked very hard for my grades but they still turn out average. I was also sick a lot of time during school. I was sick during 10th grade and couldnt go back because of anxiety and fear of not being able to check up. I was unable to receive credits. In the fall of the junior year I started a online high school which didnt work out. My mom then moved us to a small town about a hour and a half away, but my anxiety was to high to go to school. I started seeing a psychologist and my mom was put in the hospital again. I lived with my grandparents, which was very hard because we do not get along. I started a home tutor and received 10th grade credits my junior year. Im now supposed to be in a GED program but its not official. I have yet to take the ACT or SAT. Do I have any chance of going to a decent college? How would I explain this on a application. I dont know what I want to major in. I'm devoted to attending a college/uni and am will to work hard to get in. My parents are not helpful and Im not close to any family so I have know one to talk too. I hope I dont sound whiny; I am just trying to explain my situation, which is hard because I hide it for everyone.Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this or respond.</p>
<p>Hi Lovely,</p>
<p>I am overwhelmed by your post, thinking about everything you have gone through. I'm not sure how well I can address all of the different issues that you've raised online, and I find myself thinking about how valuable it would be if there were helping adults you could talk to face to face in your community, since there seem to be a lot of different areas that you're working on right now. I am thinking that your psychologist, if you are still seeing him, or a social worker who knows about all of the different resources for teenagers in your are, might be best able to help you sort this out. I'm not sure what the problem is with your grandparents, but if you're not getting along because they're old fashioned or just "annoying," as opposed to something being terribly wrong, it might be good to get them on board, even to bring them with you when you talk to your therapist. Also, if you and your grandparents are open to it, family therapy might might you all to communicate and get along better.</p>
<p>It is a concern that you aren't getting help for your ADD and dyslexia. Is it possible for your family doctor or for your psychologist to make a referral for you? It seems to me that if you feel these LD's are standing in the way of your schoolwork, it would be good to get an expert's opinion and help. Finding ways to be more comfortable academically will help with the rest of your high school work, and with college as well.</p>
<p>Just remember that a lot of people who have very difficult beginnings go on to have wonderful lives. Hang in there, and see if you can get some in-person help for yourself. I think that this will help you to deal with a lot of the issues you've raised.</p>