I’m kind of scared of turning 18
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It ain’t nothing. I’m 46 now and let me tell ya we do get a little more wisdom with age. Embrace it. Best wishes:)
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It’s just another number. I promise you won’t notice any sudden changes the morning of to suddenly distinguish your age anymore than you did at another age. I know people consider 18 to be a significant number in the US, but it doesn’t change you. In fact, your brain isn’t physically mature until around 25 years of age. Until this age, you don’t have the ability to think with your prefrontal cortex like someone older might; it’s all about the amygdala (more impulsive thinking). There are also differences regarding empathic abilities.
But… your parents/guardians might have new or different expectations of you because society has said you’re a capable person now. You might be expected to work, go to school, or both. Some parents have their “adult children” contribute in some way to the household. And for some reason, everyone seems to expect you to know what you want to “be” for the rest of your life. I can’t imagine that sort of pressure. I have always told my kids that I expect nothing more and nothing less from them than for them to be able to find something that makes them happy and allows them to support themselves. My 23 year old is working on that with a graduate degree; my 20 year old is still trying to figure it out, and both are going to be fine. I bet you will be, too. Best of luck in life and happy upcoming birthday.
I’m not from the US but ye
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It wasnt special for me, i didnt embrace adulthood till i left home. Just a number imo for most folk.
Since I basically had no choice but to drop out of high school, and I had a baby at 15 along with a job to support her and help my mom, I was not typical at that age. It can be hard to relate to my kids at times because of it. I felt very different from my peers back then. I was married with two kids, a job, and going to college before I turned 19. Heck, my younger sister was out of the house by the time she was 14; our lives were very different.
I don’t even remember my 18th birthday. But you’ll be treated as an adult by the legal system.
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What will happen with your living situation when you turn 18? Arent you in care atm - will they still support you or will you have to find a new arrangement?
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I will move to a supported living facility
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I know there’s bound to be someone on the forum who’s been in a supported living facility. Is @SkinnyMe somewhere like this? I can’t recall… sorry if I named you for no reason!
I lived in group homes for a decade. It is what it is…not bad not great. The worst thing for me was the food. Now I live with family since the pandemic. Best of luck to you 
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I hope it goes well Crystal! Being 18 is a big milestone but just remember that you are still developing and you have more things to navigate ahead of you 
Supported living isn’t all bad. It largely depends on the housemates and staff. I technically live in supported accommodation atm but it is very relaxed and quiet. People keep themselves to themselves.
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I just wish I could live independently
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Why are you scared of turning 18?
Its very possible that you will be able to one day! Many people live in supported living to learn how to live independently. Think about the future.
As I say I technically live in supported accommodation myself, but won’t be here for more than a few years and then I’ll live on my own-some.
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Yes one day but I wanted to live alone now
Honestly theres lots of stuff that can go wrong when you live alone. I like having someone to regularly call on when there is a problem I don’t know how to solve and to encourage me to get outside and do activities. I think I would struggle living alone without this middle step and that is probably what your staff are worried about.
What do you mean
Okay so example is there was issues with mold in the corner of my room and I didnt understand what I was doing wrong, and the staff gave me advice on how to resolve the issue.
Or one day for no apparent reason my bathroom flooded, and I was able to get someone that works for the council out immediately, where as if I lived on my own I think I would need to call my own plumber.
Similarly, like with making food, my support worker has given me ideas for simple recipes and lent me some books for me to find recipes I like.
Stuff like that which if I was left to my own devices I would struggle with.
Also encouragement not to spend all time by myself in doors and to go out and do stuff. Makes a big difference.
I also like having someone there if I have a problem with a neighbour etc so I don’t have to deal with it personally.
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I see. That makes sense
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