DS admits to being Depressed- NOW WHAT

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2008
DS admits to being Depressed- NOW WHAT
41
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.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2001
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 11:05am

If your son had another health issue would you let him "overcome this on his own"?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 11:23am

ekmama, I have to agree with you on your post to poohredhead. But I'll stick my neck out and go one step further. Because depression is often the result of a physical change or lack of something in our bodies, I think that in some cases, it is appropriate to talk to an M.D. and perhaps get a prescription (sans counseling). Then see how your ds reacts - does it help or not help? Sometimes one has to try many approaches and different medications to get relief, and if your (poohredhead) ds is adamant about not going to a counselor to "talk", I would see if he would go to his doctor to explain his symptoms (i.e. the depression). Maybe your (poohredhead) ds doesn't like the thought of being "mentally ill" and would be more receptive if it was presented as a "physical illness".


Just my 2 cents.


Amelia

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-14-2000
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 11:40am
I have to agree with you, ekmama.
Pam
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2008
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 11:49am

The last graph is where i was going with that.
I do understand its an illness. I dealt with depression many years ago myself and tried anti-depression meds. For me they didnt work (made me have suicidal thoughts) I got through it with time, anti-anxiety meds and talking to my dh and mom. But thats not saying i dont think those types of meds have changed- and maybe would would work for him- nor am i blind that talking with me will get him through it.

In any case, HE WILL NOT GO TO ANOTHER COUNSELOR. To him, this is not even an option he is willing to discuss. What I DO NOT know is what i can do about it.

If I were to say- you cant redecorate your room, or drive or whatever- unless you go to therapy..well, i really believe at this point it would strain our relationship and he wouldnt confide in me. and then what?

sorry am a bit frustrated. i really do appreciate all your thoughts.

Avatar for weberdns0
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2000
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 11:58am
Part of me really thinks he can overcome this on his own and with our help at home. He has alot going for him, he's a leader, well liked by teachers and at work, musically talented and great looking kid- which doesnt hurt either. Its amazing he doesnt see these things in himself but still portrays them to others and this of course is the the bigger picture and keeps me knowing we have to be realistic and deal with this - Please get your son help!
Avatar for weberdns0
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2000
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 12:07pm
First of all.....medications for depression have changed.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2001
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 12:12pm
Then take him to a medical doctor, a psychiatrist.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 2:34pm

It's been a while since I've researched it, and when I used 5-HTP I wasn't very good about taking it regularly and I took only a small amount so I couldn't really tell if it helped, but I thought I felt a bit better with it.

Two reputable (?) sources (Dr. Weil and UC-Berkeley)say NOT to take it, and one (Vanderbuilt) is noncommittal. The last link is the one I must have relied on when I decided to try it.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA76842 (Advises us of St. John's or SAM-e)
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/ds5HTP.php (Bad based on tryptophan outcomes.)
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/5htp_myth.htm
http://www.5-htp.net/Safety.asp (Side effects of Rx drugs are much worse.)

The science of it makes sense, and it seems it should work for depression. Those who advise against it say it may contain impurities like tryptophan did back in the 80s, resulting in bad side effects. But, heck, I developed an arrythmia when I was on Synthroid cuz of the inactive ingredients, even though they weren't "impurities", so it can happen with Rx drugs too. (See the fourth link above.) Supposedly they're safer cuz of the stringent FDA regs, but that's not always the case. Who supplies more PAC money and who holds more sway with physicians? The drug companies who supply free samples or the makers of supplements? Perhaps med schools are now teaching our future docs about supplements, but many who are practicing recommend only Rx drugs to their patients, even though they, themselves, take supplements.

I avoid drugs as much as possible, but I do take vitamins regularly, and I have occasionally tried the mindboosting supplements. My problem with them is that I can never remember to take them, LOL; ginko doesn't help much then.

-----------------------------------------------
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2008
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 3:59pm

thanks for the information. i will research it.

Ds does not want to see dr. about meds either. But he has agreed to try increasing the dosage of the st. johns wort to twice a day.

My older son who is adhd now take ginko every morning for work and says it works for him. he took ritalyn and then concerta for year, but now says this is enough.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2004
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 4:25pm

Lot's of good ideas and comments. I don't want to add to your headache, but St. Johns Wort is not a recognized method of treating depression. There have been several studies that suggest a minimal benefit in mild cases of lethargy, but no better than a placebo in treating actual depression. I hope your DS can realize there is good help and meds available.


Good luck.