My 26 year old daughter is going through a really bad time - in debt, her job at risk and her relationship just ended. She's started acting very strangely - she's started taking her pet lizards into work, for example - but keeps saying she's fine and doesn't need help. We think she does - but if we tell her GP, she could be committed. Should we talk to her or just let her get on with her life?

Susan advises
You should talk to your daughter. From what you say - and your original email gives lots more worrying detail about the situation - she is losing touch with reality because she's under so much stress.

You need to tell her how worried you are about her and offer support.

Let me, however, put you right on one thing. If you mention this problem to your daughter's GP, nothing terrible will happen; in fact, the most likely outcome is that he will say he can do nothing unless your daughter herself asks for help. But it may help you, her parents, to talk things through with a doctor and get a sense of what facilities are available in your area.

But the bottom line here is not to 'bring in' outside help - which as I say, might be hard to do anyway. Instead, try to get through to your daughter, point out her problems, try to persuade her to seek medical help or help from a counsellor.

To get support for doing this, I would suggest you ring MIND a mental health organisation that advises not only the mentally ill but their families, friends and carers. Get in touch with them today.