I was at my all time low around 14. 14/15 was a horrible period in my life.
14/15 was probably one of the highest points in my life. 16/17 was, as well.
My low point was probably 19-23 (once the complete ordered structure of school was removed and I failed to create my own self-regulating structure).
My 20's and 30's have been pretty miserable, but stable, meaning that I can keep basic functions going. Definitely not enjoyable or pleasant in any way, but nowhere near as bad as college/law school.
Which is why I'm often confused when people say "things get better".
I suppose they get better if you are able to form meaningful relationship and find something that you actually have an interest in doing.
A lot of these helicopter kids are going to end up in real trouble later once the structure dissolves.
Whereas, HK's kid will probably be just fine, as long as she gets bored with her cutting hobby and doesn't descent into something worse.
I even had a client recently who OD'd on medication, and got sent to the psychiatric hospital. Where she really enjoyed herself and had a good time. Not surprisingly, her mother was somewhat concerned about the positive psychic payoff from this.
