I have been so stressed in the past few days. My 6 - year - old has struggled with anxiety since he was 4 and no matter what we try (including meds) he seems to get worse and worse. He comes home from school everyday with complaints about how other kids treat him. In fact, he complains about everything, including us, his family. He struggles with friendships and makes friends only to lose them a few days later. He has become a picky eater and so untidy. And he is afraid of just about everything, always thinking worst case scenarios and worrying that things will go wrong. When I tell him we'll be seeing people, I can see the fear and disappointment in his eyes, especially if they have kids his age, as he is uncomfortable interacting with peers. I can't remember the last time I saw him truly happy and excited about something.

My son used to be the sunshine in my life, a bit shy but so confident, funny, daring, super smart and mature. What is left of that? I sometimes look at old photos to remind myself of when he was worry - free, sweet and tender, looking forward to every day and so full of joy. I feel like a complete failure as a mother and so exhausted with this. But most of all I am worried about my son, who is suffering so much.

Is there anyone out there whose child grew out of this? I really need some hope.