DS admits to being Depressed- NOW WHAT
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DS admits to being Depressed- NOW WHAT
| Sun, 01-06-2008 - 12:12pm |
Hello all, My 17 years old is a good kid, with no problems in behavior, school or much in the else except occational moodiness. But he did finally admit he is depressed, which i knew for a while - he just needed to say it. He has given us a couple scares, talking about suicide on his myspace. We've talked it about it- and it seems to pass- but like i said now he's said he just wants to get rid of the down mood. Anyhow he's willing to see the dr and find out about meds.(Note: we have tried St.Johns wort for about a year and it worked for a while- but not anymore) He doesnt feel talking to a stranger will help. Since he talks with us quiet a bit, im willing to just try the dr. thing at this point.
So has anyone had any GOOD luck with any type of medications, Which ones work better for mild depression in this age group? i know everyones different, just looking for a starting base.
thanks in advance, worried mom.
So has anyone had any GOOD luck with any type of medications, Which ones work better for mild depression in this age group? i know everyones different, just looking for a starting base.
thanks in advance, worried mom.

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I have a friend who has talked about her
In case it's helpful . . .
My DD was not depressed at 17 but was very anxious. I was concerned about the medication route and she did some counseling as well but I have to say the medication (lexapro) was a miracle. She felt more relaxed in about 3 weeks, no longer had panicky feelings and was just all around happier, but still her. I understand you are dealing with depression but just wanted you to know that these types of medications really can work wonders.
Dear poo,
I am glad your son talks to you.........................a lot of times they do talk AFTER the fact which sometimes is too late.............IMO I deal with depression a lot and your son needs to go to a psychiatrist who deals with people his age...............depression is a real disease, like diabetes you can't just make it go away,,,,think good thoughts and be happy........................It is a real chemical imbalance in the brain........most times if it is not treated it only gets worse.............the cutting, eating disorder, the
"Do any of you know if I can make suer the counseler is aware of some of the above mentioned items before he meets with them? not sure how that works.
Sorry, I forgot to answer your question....
The therapist called me at home to schedule the first meeting with DS and me. It was during that phone conversation that I described DS's behavior and why it worried me. I would expect most therapists to do that--attempt to get some background info before the initial visit. DS had to fill out a questionnaire when he arrived at the office before the first meeting. Being the nontalker he is, all he conveyed on that form was his "nobody understands me" feelings that I never even knew he had.
Just thinking back to it all sends my mind racing....I was never so scared in my life. Seeing DS smile for a change after the first session was a huge relief--I noticed a dramatic improvement right away. After the second session I didn't really notice any difference, and it took a good 3 mos. for DS to get back to normal.
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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM
I am not really expert on any of your potential problems here, which is why I've been hesitant to respond. I get the sense that you will end up doing whatever it takes to look after your DS, but just had a few comments. Like someone said, depression is a real disease, not just a *feeling*, so you do need to see a doctor. There's nothing wrong with starting with a visit to your family physician. You don't need to jump right in searching for a therapist because he/she can help you with that...
I used to be like you. I was anti-meds and tried the natural route for a long time.
wow, i never expected the responce from this type of thread. All of you have been so helpful.
The eating disorder, I believe, was partially impacted by the girlfriend at the time- who was anorexic, he gave the idea it was some bulmenia(Sp) type activity on his part.He had always been overweight and had wanted to be thinner and this gave him what he thought was an avenue to get there. As far as the doritoes comment, because i have also taken off 40 lbs over the past three years, through diet and exercise, he really respects how ive gotten to where im at. and so he now ask me how to stay at the weight hes at. I know he has a weakness for junk food and wants other ideas that are more healthy- so i tell him.
I am not against meds by any means. just hesitant of a/d's. My oldest ds is ADHD and took concerta for years,and did well. He now is 21 and takes ginko biloba for work and does just fine- maturity kicked in to help the hyper part and the ginko helps the concentration part.
My dh was robbed a year ago at gun point and talked with someone once at a local child and family clinic who really helped- and he is not a talker. anyhow he suggested i give them a call today and see if anyone was available for ds to talk to.I mentioned this to ds this morning before school and was expecting a responce of i changed my mind, but he didnt. So I am going to make the call as soon as they open.
I have some experience with mood disorders as my son has anxiety-nos with a depression component.
I called this morning. have an appointment for him to talk with counselor on monday the 14th. they didnt have anything open that fits his schedule other than that.
I just hope he doesnt change his mind before then. But he works and is involved in many outside activities and if i interfere with that he wont go either. its a fine line we walk.
luckily im home for two more weeks, recovering from a hysterectomy, so can keep a close eye on how his emotions are going. i would be a nervous wreck dealing with this from work.
DH and I both had great reservations about starting meds with our DD. We thought that with the help of a therapist and the loving support that she had at home that should be enough to get her through. Once we realized that wasn't going to happen and "gave in" to the idea of a/d's that is when we started to get back on the right track. My DD was terrified to start the meds. I'll never forget that first night, She was refusing to take it, It took us two hours to convince her it was OK to take the meds. My DH and I have been together 20 yrs, and that was the first time I had ever seen him cry.
I am so glad you got an appt for your son. Best of luck to you all.
neither of my kids have experienced major depression, but i have.
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