Help, My daughter may be depressed
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| Thu, 12-16-2004 - 11:32pm |
My daughter is 13 and just told me she thinks she is dperessed and has thought about suicide. Her dad passed away a little over a year ago. Her dad and I had a good marriage and, all in all, it was a happy home life.
We all had so much to deal with after he died. Everyone said what agreat job I was doing keeping evryone going.
I also have another daughter who is 16. Both girls seemed to be doing well. They maintained good grades and happily kept up with their extracurricular activities. Things appeared to be moving along.
I am calling a therapist for my younger daughter tomorrow. She wants to talk to someone and I am so impressed that she talked to me about it and wants to seek help. But what I want to know is what can I do to help her now? How do I handle this?
I wouls SO appreciated any suggestions. Thank you!

I am sorry to hear about your husband. I know it must be hard to hear that your young daughter is feeling depressed.I was a very depressed teen myself,and did try to commit suicide. My mom did help me .
Even if your daughter does not choose to talk to you she needs someone so I think you are very right about calling a therapist and I hope you already have!
Just be there for her when she needs you,and do not pressure her to talk to you.
Talk to school administrators , they should keep you informed about her life,activities,and any new behavior at school.They can also point you in the right direction for any other counseling your family may need.
Last but not least do not tell you family and friends about her depression.That should be her decision on who knows,and if you already have talked to someone make sure they know not to mention it to her! She will only resent you and them for that.
Good luck,and I will keep you in my prayers.
I think it's great how close you guys are. It is really important to talk to your family when you are feeling really down and need help.
Going to a therapist is a good solution, and I am sure your daughter will get help. If (for whatever reason) your daughter should not be satisfied with the thearpist you should keep looking until you found the right one for her.
I think the best way you can help your daughter is just with being there for her. Let her know that you are always there for her and that she can always count on you.
Listen to her and help her when she is really down.
I wish you and your daughters best of luck!
Thank you both so much for your responses.
I called a local help line and they were a tremendous help. They gave me some 24/7 numbers, besides theirs, for me and my daughter to call. There was even one where they will come to my house if we'd like!
Talking to the volunteer on the other end made me feel so much better. She asked some questions to evaluate where my daughter is and we determined that she is not in immediated danger, but she should seek help.
I know we're not out of the woods, but I can't tell you what a weight has been lifted from my shoulders JUST TALKING to someone who understands.
You responses here have helped me so much too! Thank you so very much for your understanding and good wishes!