This morning my daughter arrived and after big hugs we set to making lunch together. I had already decided to let her set the pace and didn't have an agenda. As far as I was concerned she was coming for a couple of week's break to get through an emotional crisis. We would talk if and when she was ready.

It wasn't long before she opened up and we talked about her present situation and we have agreed that she will get some expert help when she returns home. We are going to spend a little bit of time writing down all her symptoms and feelings along with a few observations that me, her sister and her boyfriend have made so that she can go to her GP properly prepared.

Before that we are going to relax and spend some quality time and let her stress levels come right down.

She thanked me for listening and for helping her see that she really does have genuine health problems. This is something she has previously denied. I feel we are finally making some headway. I know she has a long way to go but at least she now recognises and admits she needs help.

Tonight she is having a 'girly night' with her sister and hopefully they will both let their hair down and have a laugh or six!

Today has gone better than I'd expected.