Dear Abby: Teen with mental illness drops activities but says she’s happy with work and grades
A grandfather worries that his 15-year-old granddaughter, who has a mental illness and has been in therapy since childhood, is drifting away from high-achieving peers and activities. She says she is happy, but he is concerned about her future.
Liam Carter 
Navigating Complex Family and School Challenges
A concerned grandfather reached out to Dear Abby regarding his 15-year-old granddaughter. Despite her background in a high-achieving family and a history of therapy since age 5, she has stepped away from her former peer group and academic pressures. While she has declined medication and currently earns mediocre grades, she maintains a part-time job with the goal of purchasing a car. Abby suggests that the grandfather engage in ongoing discussions with her parents, noting that it may be time to evaluate the effectiveness of her current therapy or consider whether her academic path simply does not align with her personal goals.
Standing Up Against Harassment
In a separate inquiry, a parent in California shared that her eighth-grade daughter is facing persistent harassment due to her identity and creative style. Despite being a talented athlete and student, the girl is frequently subjected to derogatory comments from classmates in front of staff members who have remained largely unresponsive to previous complaints. Abby emphasizes that every student deserves a harassment-free learning environment.
For parents dealing with similar school administration issues, Abby recommends exploring a transfer to a more progressive school environment. She also advises consulting a civil rights attorney if the situation remains unchanged and reaching out to the nearest chapter of PFLAG for support. Resources and guidance can be found at pflag.org.
Find more columns from Dear Abby and additional advice content available on 205focus.com.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
