Damaged

Facing a tough situation, looking for ways to cope with the pain and not be consumed by guilt or fear.

I have a little girl Scottie who has been very, very itchy and has actually pulled out most of her hair around her butt. The first time she did this, the vet put her on antihistames that seemed to work for about 2 weeks, then she did it again and she was put on Atopica which worked great for another 2 weeks. Now her butt's bald and she's so itchy she can't sleep at night (me either). If I take her to the vet again, I feel like we'll just get another expensive pill that will work for 2 weeks. Any ideas? I thought she might be allergy to avocados that fall off the trees into the yard, but the vet sort of pooh-poohed the idea.

Her personality is fearful; we have had familial stress in the household lately as well.

Today was a last straw. My son moved in 6mos ago after being kicked out of his mother's house (He's 20). We cleared a room and made a place for him and he had a job for the 1st 6mos he was here; then he just quit. Won't talk to us, won't socialize (like dinner). Lately been stealing money out of my purse and dresser, denies when approached. Says he's looking for a job, but never has applications; says he wants to go back to school, but he's gone 2xs previous and drops out after 2mos. He's just saying what he thinks we want to hear. Today asked when he was going to move out, things escalated and he ended up choking me and trying to punch me in the face. (His dad stopped him) I'm worried that my house and life may be in jeopardy.