Upset mom needs advice about teenage daughter/depression

[southcarolinamom]

After making an appt. for my daughter to see a GYN, hoping this matter is hormonally-driven, I'm making my next tearful stop with Dr Hive.

 

My 15 yo dd just told me that she has been depressed for several years. I know that she has been "sad" a lot, but did not realize the extent of it. She told me she doesn't know what triggers her to feel this way, it "just happens." She said she feels this way even when she is doing something she really loves to do, like vacation type activities, being with her favorite friends, acting in plays, etc. I've noticed she hasn't been doing as much with her friends as she normally does, and she likes to be by herself in her room a lot, or in another part of the house. When I asked her about it before today, she said she just likes her own quiet space. She told me today, that at times, she has written suicide notes (which she threw away), "hears voices arguing in her head", and she showed me some tiny cut marks on her legs, which looked like they were about 1-2 weeks old. She has scared herself enough that she decided to tell me about it this afternoon.

 

I'm typing this note, tears welling up, wondering what kind of mom am I, that I didn't realize how badly she feels? I thought her mood swings and sullenness were just part of her "being 15." (Lots of moms have told me the age of 15 is a tough year)

 

She has an appt. tomorrow with a female OB/GYN in my group, to talk to, and I guess draw some blood, and hopefully get her on medication. I hope fervently this is a hormone-thing that we can help her with.

 

Please lift me up in prayer! And my daughter. I still have to figure out a way to explain this gently to my husband, in a way he will understand, and not try to "blow it off."

 

I would love input from families who have gone through/are going through a similar situation. I'll let you know what happens later tomorrow.

[melissad2]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Plucky]

Don't blame yourself, Missy. You are doing the right thing by your daughter now. Praying for you, dd, and family.

[newlifemom]

After making an appt. for my daughter to see a GYN, hoping this matter is hormonally-driven, I'm making my next tearful stop with Dr Hive.

 

My 15 yo dd just told me that she has been depressed for several years. I know that she has been "sad" a lot, but did not realize the extent of it. She told me she doesn't know what triggers her to feel this way, it "just happens." She said she feels this way even when she is doing something she really loves to do, like vacation type activities, being with her favorite friends, acting in plays, etc. I've noticed she hasn't been doing as much with her friends as she normally does, and she likes to be by herself in her room a lot, or in another part of the house. When I asked her about it before today, she said she just likes her own quiet space. She told me today, that at times, she has written suicide notes (which she threw away), "hears voices arguing in her head", and she showed me some tiny cut marks on her legs, which looked like they were about 1-2 weeks old. She has scared herself enough that she decided to tell me about it this afternoon.

 

I'm typing this note, tears welling up, wondering what kind of mom am I, that I didn't realize how badly she feels? I thought her mood swings and sullenness were just part of her "being 15." (Lots of moms have told me the age of 15 is a tough year)

 

She has an appt. tomorrow with a female OB/GYN in my group, to talk to, and I guess draw some blood, and hopefully get her on medication. I hope fervently this is a hormone-thing that we can help her with.

 

Please lift me up in prayer! And my daughter. I still have to figure out a way to explain this gently to my husband, in a way he will understand, and not try to "blow it off."

 

I would love input from families who have gone through/are going through a similar situation. I'll let you know what happens later tomorrow.

 

 

 

No advice just :grouphug: and prayers. I hope your dd finds answers and help.

[bluemongoose]

:grouphug:

[happi duck]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[OH_Homeschooler]

Don't beat yourself up. You know now and you are doing something about it. I was depressed during my adolescence and even had a few cutting incidents (I didn't even know that cutting was a thing back then). My mom, who has battled depression forever, never did anything about what I see so clearly now as my clinical depression. I've been on antidepressants for about 10 years now.

 

I don't know that it's hormonal...I am more moody during PMS but many women are. Back when I was a teenager I would guess hormones played a part but they would not have been as big of an issue if I were not depressed in the first place. But it is almost certainly biological and antidepressants could definitely help.

[Alyeska]

Thankfully she TOLD you...and now you can get help for her. :grouphug:

 

I was depressed as a teen and finally told my mom. She blew it off, mocked me, and I was then on my own to cope with it however I could. It was so difficult and I struggled with it into my adult life. My biggest advice is to really listen and make sure she knows there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

[Starr]

:grouphug: It sounds like she/you will need more help than the GYN and some meds. I would keep her near me and not off by herself too much while you are working on this. These things become family issues as you know and not just her problems. I'm glad she came to talk to you. Praying! :grouphug:

[JumpyTheFrog]

Gluten problems run in my family. None of us has ever been offically diagnosed, though. My brother is much, much easier to get along with when he's off gluten. I think that if he had been off gluten for all of his teenage age years, he and my parents wouldn't have been fighting all the time. He went off gluten for good a few years ago and even his fiance noticed that he stopped snapping at her within a week.

 

Depression can be caused by food allergies and intolerances. I don't know if that's the cause with your daughter, but it's worth looking into. Also, look into fish oil and various vitamin and mineral deficiences, such as B12.

 

Three books worth getting from the library are "The Diet Cure" and "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross and "Is This My Child" by ?

[Scarlett]

Don't blame yourself, Missy. You are doing the right thing by your daughter now. Praying for you, dd, and family.

 

This. You are doing the right thing.

[Annie G]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[k2bdeutmeyer]

My DD is only 11 (10 when things flared up), but she comes from a long history of mental illness on her dad's side. She began cutting herself and writing suicide notes. She did everything she could to hurt herself and act out in that type of way. She was so overcome with emotion I had no idea what to do.

 

After seeing a therapist, we found out she actually had 3 things going on, ADD, depression, and anxiety. For us, treating the anxiety first was a MIRACLE! I cannot say enough what a difference it made.

 

((HUGS)) It's a tough road. It's great that she told you, and even better that you're listening and getting her the help she needs.

[myfunnybunch]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

We are going through something similar with our same-age dd.

 

This is not your fault. She trusted you enough to come to you. You're taking her seriously. You're going to walk her through this by her side. You're a good momma.

 

Her physician should test her for thyroid, hormones, and other issues. Then ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in adolescents for a medication evaluation. With an adolescent particularly, a specialist can help pinpoint the best treatment. In addition to meds, counseling focused on how to deal with the anxiety and depression and how to cope with the desire to cut will help. Our dd's psychiatrist made several helpful recommendations in addition to the medication she prescribed.

 

We're still in the beginning stages of this ourselves. It's rocky, but in some ways my relationship with my dd is even stronger. Prayers for you and your dd. You're not alone.

 

:grouphug:

 

Cat

[southcarolinamom]

Just reading through everyone's kind words has lifted my spirits! Thank you so very, very much. Your virtual hugs and advice are worth everything to me.

[Night Elf]

Bravo for her telling you! And Bravo for you taking her seriously! This is NOT something you want to "blow off". If your DH tries that, you put your Mama Bear foot down and insist on following it the way you deem important. This may be really hard to hear, but frankly, I would rather have my friends and family think I'm overprotective and my dd alive and well, then attending a funeral and having people apologize for thinking you were too overprotective. Of course depression does not always end in such tragedy but why on earth even allow that small risk? Being sad is one thing. Writing suicide notes and actually cutting are serious cries for help.

[Ria]

Missy,

You sound like such a loving and caring mom. Your dd is blessed to have you. It sounds like you are on the right track, and I'm sure you'll feel better after you see a doctor and have more of a plan.

 

From my own experience with depression as a teenager, I can tell you that your dd is probably now feeling much better just for having told you. And for you to respond so lovingly...wow...I only wish I'd been offered that. My parents sort of blew me off. :(

 

I still struggle occasionally with depression and anxiety (much more so lately since my eldest son just deployed to Afghanistan). I am seeing a psychologist (this is so helpful...I wish I'd done it eons ago). I also got a behavioral therapy workbook for depression that I'm going through, though I wouldn't recommend this to you at this point...much better to see a professional first.

 

Depression is no fun, but acknowledging the problem is the first step in getting help. I truly believe your dd will be feeling much better soon. You sound like one of the world's best moms, sweetie. There's no way you could have seen anything your dd didn't want you to see - she is 15, lol. And depression or not, 15 is a hard age for everyone (15 year old and surrounding family members).

:grouphug:

 

Ria

[meggie]

I can only speak out from my own experience. When I was a teenager I was pretty depressed. I was good at hiding it. I let out "cries for help" I guess you could say, but they were only obvious to me and would have only been obvious to someone who knew what to look for (my mom didn't). Luckily my mom found me when I was harming myself and stayed with me. She didn't want me on medication since it wasn't approved for teenagers under 18. For some reason a lot of medication makes teens under 18 more suicidal.

 

I think there are so many possible factors: genetics, hormones, diet, personality, the way you were brought up, etc. There is no way you can blame yourself for all that.

 

My mom got me to a good counselor and faithfully took me every week, even though it was 45 minutes away. I'm not going to lie, it is something I still struggle with today, especially when I'm hormonal (pregnant or PMS), tired or stressed. It can be a constant struggle. The counselor gave me lots of good coping strategies.

[Mommy22alyns]

I can only speak out from my own experience. When I was a teenager I was pretty depressed. I was good at hiding it.

 

 

THIS. Me too. My mom was pretty oblivious to me though, so she may not even have cared if I did tell her. You, on the other hand (OP), sound like an involved and caring mom who has done nothing wrong. :grouphug:

[Orthodox6]

Excellent advice from MyFunnyBunch and others !

 

Please don't accept any psychiatric medication, let alone psychiatric diagnosis, from an OB/GYN. Total mismatch of skill set versus health condition.

 

You have a brave daughter to speak up at last ! Praise her for seeking help ! Above all, provide her with that help.

 

My parents refused to let me see a professional when I begged them, at age 16. I muddled through some terrible life experiences until I finally was diagnosed with more than condition, in my mid-forties.

 

:grouphug: You are a good mom. You are a VERY good mom !

 

 

 

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

We are going through something similar with our same-age dd.

 

This is not your fault. She trusted you enough to come to you. You're taking her seriously. You're going to walk her through this by her side. You're a good momma.

 

Her physician should test her for thyroid, hormones, and other issues. Then ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in adolescents for a medication evaluation. With an adolescent particularly, a specialist can help pinpoint the best treatment. In addition to meds, counseling focused on how to deal with the anxiety and depression and how to cope with the desire to cut will help. Our dd's psychiatrist made several helpful recommendations in addition to the medication she prescribed.

 

We're still in the beginning stages of this ourselves. It's rocky, but in some ways my relationship with my dd is even stronger. Prayers for you and your dd. You're not alone.

 

:grouphug:

 

Cat

Edited July 27, 2011 by Orthodox6

[Mom0012]

After making an appt. for my daughter to see a GYN, hoping this matter is hormonally-driven, I'm making my next tearful stop with Dr Hive.

 

My 15 yo dd just told me that she has been depressed for several years. I know that she has been "sad" a lot, but did not realize the extent of it. She told me she doesn't know what triggers her to feel this way, it "just happens." She said she feels this way even when she is doing something she really loves to do, like vacation type activities, being with her favorite friends, acting in plays, etc. I've noticed she hasn't been doing as much with her friends as she normally does, and she likes to be by herself in her room a lot, or in another part of the house. When I asked her about it before today, she said she just likes her own quiet space. She told me today, that at times, she has written suicide notes (which she threw away), "hears voices arguing in her head", and she showed me some tiny cut marks on her legs, which looked like they were about 1-2 weeks old. She has scared herself enough that she decided to tell me about it this afternoon.

 

I'm typing this note, tears welling up, wondering what kind of mom am I, that I didn't realize how badly she feels? I thought her mood swings and sullenness were just part of her "being 15." (Lots of moms have told me the age of 15 is a tough year)

 

She has an appt. tomorrow with a female OB/GYN in my group, to talk to, and I guess draw some blood, and hopefully get her on medication. I hope fervently this is a hormone-thing that we can help her with.

 

Please lift me up in prayer! And my daughter. I still have to figure out a way to explain this gently to my husband, in a way he will understand, and not try to "blow it off."

 

I would love input from families who have gone through/are going through a similar situation. I'll let you know what happens later tomorrow.

 

It sounds like a good beginning to get her into the doctor. I would also require her to exercise daily and make sure she is eating well, with protein at each meal. Hormones could really be affecting her mood and exercise and a good diet could really help.

 

Lisa

[jelbe5]

:grouphug:

 

You are a good mom and you are taking action and seeking help. Please don't beat yourself up.

 

I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Elizabeth in MN]

If she's hearing voices in her head she needs a Psychiatrist, not an OB.

[Joanne]

{{gentle hugs}}

 

I'm going to gently "carefront" you on this, ok? I'd like to tell you that depression is a *physical* and *physiological* issue. Her body and brain are not functioning optimally. I read that you are tied into hoping this is hormonal. That explains the OB/Gyn appointment.

 

I'd like to encourage you to not attach stigma to it being depression. There is nothing shameful about her or your mothering that she has depression.

 

Symptoms of depression are all over your OP. The addition of self harm behaviors (cutting) indicate a possible anxiety component. Your dd would likely benefit from appropriate depression Rx and ongoing counseling for a period of time to assist with the cognitive aspects of depression and also for the building of coping skills to replace the (very faulty) coping skill of cutting.

 

The added "voices" and suicidal ideation show she needs professional mental health support as well as medical. It's ok. It's likely to be treatable with meds and therapy. Her being a teen and hormonal changes likely exacerbate but do not cause these issues.

Edited July 27, 2011 by Joanne

[Cindyg]

For us, treating the anxiety first was a MIRACLE! I cannot say enough what a difference it made.

 

Please share what you did to treat the anxiety. :bigear:

[mom2scouts]

Bravo for her telling you! And Bravo for you taking her seriously! This is NOT something you want to "blow off". If your DH tries that, you put your Mama Bear foot down and insist on following it the way you deem important. This may be really hard to hear, but frankly, I would rather have my friends and family think I'm overprotective and my dd alive and well, then attending a funeral and having people apologize for thinking you were too overprotective. Of course depression does not always end in such tragedy but why on earth even allow that small risk? Being sad is one thing. Writing suicide notes and actually cutting are serious cries for help.

:iagree: Let her know that you are very proud of her for recognizing she needs help. It's a BIG step towards getting well!

[gingersmom]

Before going the medication route why don't you have her see a therapist.

[Harriet Vane]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

We are going through something similar with our same-age dd.

 

This is not your fault. She trusted you enough to come to you. You're taking her seriously. You're going to walk her through this by her side. You're a good momma.

 

Her physician should test her for thyroid, hormones, and other issues. Then ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in adolescents for a medication evaluation. With an adolescent particularly, a specialist can help pinpoint the best treatment. In addition to meds, counseling focused on how to deal with the anxiety and depression and how to cope with the desire to cut will help. Our dd's psychiatrist made several helpful recommendations in addition to the medication she prescribed.

 

We're still in the beginning stages of this ourselves. It's rocky, but in some ways my relationship with my dd is even stronger. Prayers for you and your dd. You're not alone.

 

:grouphug:

 

Cat

 

:iagree: I would not stop with the gyn appt--a gyn is not a depression specialist. Get a good therapist to help guide you.

[speedmom4]

The fact that your daughter trusted you enough to let you into her pain shows that you are an amazing mother. Your response to her was wonderful. I hope and pray that you all get the help she needs quickly!

 

God Bless,

Elise in NC

[joannqn]

:grouphug:

 

It's hard. I understand what you are feeling, especially with the guilt My 9 year old is on Zoloft. I worry about him constantly.

[Kim in Appalachia]

:grouphug:

 

You need to get her to a psychiatrist.

 

But I did one to add one small piece of advice. Keep her talking, and keep talking to her. It's easy to get lost in your head when you are depressed. Keep the lines of communication open .

[YLVD]

After making an appt. for my daughter to see a GYN, hoping this matter is hormonally-driven, I'm making my next tearful stop with Dr Hive.

 

My 15 yo dd just told me that she has been depressed for several years. I know that she has been "sad" a lot, but did not realize the extent of it. She told me she doesn't know what triggers her to feel this way, it "just happens." She said she feels this way even when she is doing something she really loves to do, like vacation type activities, being with her favorite friends, acting in plays, etc. I've noticed she hasn't been doing as much with her friends as she normally does, and she likes to be by herself in her room a lot, or in another part of the house. When I asked her about it before today, she said she just likes her own quiet space. She told me today, that at times, she has written suicide notes (which she threw away), "hears voices arguing in her head", and she showed me some tiny cut marks on her legs, which looked like they were about 1-2 weeks old. She has scared herself enough that she decided to tell me about it this afternoon.

 

I'm typing this note, tears welling up, wondering what kind of mom am I, that I didn't realize how badly she feels? I thought her mood swings and sullenness were just part of her "being 15." (Lots of moms have told me the age of 15 is a tough year)

 

She has an appt. tomorrow with a female OB/GYN in my group, to talk to, and I guess draw some blood, and hopefully get her on medication. I hope fervently this is a hormone-thing that we can help her with.

 

Please lift me up in prayer! And my daughter. I still have to figure out a way to explain this gently to my husband, in a way he will understand, and not try to "blow it off."

 

I would love input from families who have gone through/are going through a similar situation. I'll let you know what happens later tomorrow.

 

:grouphug:

 

 

If she's hearing voices and cutting, she needs a psychiatrist and likely meds as quickly as possible. Good luck and I'm thinking of you.

[YLVD]

Before going the medication route why don't you have her see a therapist.

 

Ideally she will see a psychiatrist and then a therapist as well. But if she's hearing voices, the priority should be the psych doc and likely meds. It isn't an either/or situation.

[gardenmom5]

After making an appt. for my daughter to see a GYN, hoping this matter is hormonally-driven,

My 15 yo dd just told me that she has been depressed for several years. I did not realize the extent of it.

at times, she has written suicide notes (which she threw away), "hears voices arguing in her head", and she showed me some tiny cut marks on her legs, which looked like they were about 1-2 weeks old. She has scared herself enough that she decided to tell me about it this afternoon.

 

She has an appt. tomorrow with a female OB/GYN in my group, . I hope fervently this is a hormone-thing that we can help her with.

 

.

 

I had one with wild mood swings that should have been chemically treated as a teen. as an adult, she is on two different anti-depressants and there are times I wonder if her moods are under control. anti-depressants can be a saving grace.

 

:grouphug: for starters, don't beat yourself up. You know now, and you need your energy to help her now. Hopefully it is "only" hormonal, but also ask for a referal to a mental health professional to be checked out. the fact she is "cutting" herself is not generally related to hormones. "hearing voices" makes me think of schizophrenia, which is very serious and needs a pyschiatrist.

 

The other thing I'm going to suggest you look into is her diet and exercise. gluten hypersensitivity can mimic bipolar and schizophrenia. Now I know what to look for, I see the signs in my daughter but she won't do a GF diet. excess sugar in the diet can also cause depressive symptoms.

Edited July 28, 2011 by gardenmom5

[Little Nyssa]

Dear OP, it's great she told you about this. You should not feel guilty.

But she does not need hormonal treatment or talk therapy to start with. If she is hearing voices and suicidal, she needs medication ---and perhaps even hospitalization. I hope you can have her see psych tomorrow. If you can't find one that quickly then go to your primary care doctor. In the meantime stay with her.

There is no stigma to psychiatric illness, or should not be. You can look at the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill website for more information. There is a lot there for families who are supporting someone with psychiatric illness.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[YLVD]

Dear OP, it's great she told you about this. You should not feel guilty.

But she does not need hormonal treatment or talk therapy to start with. If she is hearing voices and suicidal, she needs medication ---and perhaps even hospitalization. I hope you can have her see psych tomorrow. If you can't find one that quickly then go to your primary care doctor. In the meantime stay with her.

There is no stigma to psychiatric illness, or should not be. You can look at the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill website for more information. There is a lot there for families who are supporting someone with psychiatric illness.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

 

I agree with all of this.

 

I have Bipolar disorder and have a full and mostly happy life. I work hard to fight against the stigma.

 

I would get in touch with the doc ASAP, as in, tomorrow am

[southcarolinamom]

Back from the GYN. She considered putting Emily on a quarter dose of Prozac, and then, after thinking about it, decided she wanted it handled by a psychiatrist, since she doesn't generally prescribe anti-depressants to adolescents. We are set up to see a psychiatrist/psychotherapist in about a month. Unfortunately, none of his fees are covered by our BCBS insurance (it's a $5,000 deductible). His office is going to see if one of the MD's counselors can see my daughter first, to see if she just needs someone to "talk through things", or if she also needs meds.

 

My daughter has been her usual bubbly self today. She said she was greatly relieved after telling myself and my hubby about her feelings.

 

Thank you again, from the bottom of my mama's heart, for all the helpful suggestions and input. We appreciate it all!

[JennifersLost]

The thing to focus on here is that she TOLD you. That speaks volumes about the trust she has in you.

 

We went through a similar thing with my son, and I went through it myself as a teen for years and years.

 

What we found helped:

 

1. If she isn't already, bring your child into the center of your home. If her bedroom is tucked away, ask (or demand) that she spend a large part of her time in the living room. Make it comfy for her, even let or ask her to sleep out there - the important thing is that she not stay tucked away in her room. It may be here instinct to hide away, but it isn't healthy.

 

2. Get her active and be active with her. Take her walking, hiking, jogging, bike riding, out to the store, swimming, and so on. You don't even have to tell her what you are doing (getting her active), but you can. Challenge her to push herself hard. Her natural endorphins are really good for her.

 

3. Is she having trouble sleeping? Give her 3 mcg of Melatonin. It's very, very helpful if she's lying in bed awake with miserable thoughts.

 

4. Don't let the gyn put her on birth control. Or if that happens, watch her. Some women do "cheer up" immensely when put on BC. Others get horribly, horribly depressed.

 

5. Consider seeing an herbalist to find out the right way to balance chaste berry/dong quai to help moderate her cycles. Also look into essential fatty acids - they can really help.

 

But mostly - active, active, active and busy, busy, busy, right in the middle of the family. It helps!

[Sandra in FL]

Don't beat yourself up about it - instead try to find the source of the depression. May I suggest that you have your daughter tested for MTHFR (quite common) - it's a genetic mutation that hinders the conversion of folic acid to the form that the body needs. If she has it, she could be helped with Deplin (high-dose of l-methylfolate - no side effects) instead of going on the anti-depression drugs that are scary.

 

Check it out: google mthfr depression methylfolate

[Joanne]

Back from the GYN. She considered putting Emily on a quarter dose of Prozac, and then, after thinking about it, decided she wanted it handled by a psychiatrist, since she doesn't generally prescribe anti-depressants to adolescents. We are set up to see a psychiatrist/psychotherapist in about a month. Unfortunately, none of his fees are covered by our BCBS insurance (it's a $5,000 deductible). His office is going to see if one of the MD's counselors can see my daughter first, to see if she just needs someone to "talk through things", or if she also needs meds.

 

My daughter has been her usual bubbly self today. She said she was greatly relieved after telling myself and my hubby about her feelings.

 

Thank you again, from the bottom of my mama's heart, for all the helpful suggestions and input. We appreciate it all!

 

I'm impressed, Mom, with your response.

 

And that of the OB/gyn who was humble and ethical enough to refer as necessary.

 

What you've posted about is treatable. :grouphug::grouphug:

[Sandra in FL]

I'd also add a good b-complex and fish oil.

[BlessedMom]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[myfunnybunch]

I'd also add a good b-complex and fish oil.

 

Yes. This was one of my dd's psychiatrist's recommendations, along with a vitamin D supplement.

 

I'm glad you're on track to getting her better. :grouphug: I'm really glad she's feeling some relief after telling you.

 

I'd suggest sitting down with her and putting a safety plan in place NOW: Exactly what steps would she and you together like her to follow if she's feeling down, if she's feeling anxious, if she's feeling like cutting, if she's feeling suicidal. My dd has asked for a no questions, just sitting together time if she needs it, any time night or day. We can talk about it later, but if she needs to just *be* and not be alone, she can say "Mom, will you sit with me for a while," and I will just sit with her. She's only asked me once, and I sat with her and held her hand and we watched some mindless show on tv until she felt better. Later, we talked about what she was feeling. Having a plan in place means that she doesn't need to figure out what to do in that moment because she already knows and has agreed to the best way to handle it.

 

Hang in there. You can do this. Your dd is so lucky to have you by her side. :grouphug:

 

Cat

[bettyandbob]

Back from the GYN. She considered putting Emily on a quarter dose of Prozac, and then, after thinking about it, decided she wanted it handled by a psychiatrist, since she doesn't generally prescribe anti-depressants to adolescents. We are set up to see a psychiatrist/psychotherapist in about a month. Unfortunately, none of his fees are covered by our BCBS insurance (it's a $5,000 deductible). His office is going to see if one of the MD's counselors can see my daughter first, to see if she just needs someone to "talk through things", or if she also needs meds.

 

My daughter has been her usual bubbly self today. She said she was greatly relieved after telling myself and my hubby about her feelings.

 

Thank you again, from the bottom of my mama's heart, for all the helpful suggestions and input. We appreciate it all!

 

 

Great follow through taking her seriously. Good job on the OB's part for making the referral. You might want to spend the month while you wait for the referall, following up on what other's have suggested--serious exercise and cleaning up diet. My ds has anxiety and depression and ADD. Things are much when his diet is a mess and he doesn't exercise. This summer he's been getting a minimum of 2 hours a day of exercise. He eats a gluten free diet with no artificial additives (when he stays on track). He has been the most consistently content this summer than I've seen for a long time. I'm not saying these steps will work for your dd, or that they will solve everything, but they can help and taking these steps are within your dd's ability. Maybe taking these steps can be something you (mother and daughter) do together as a project.

:grouphug:Good luck!

[Sandra in FL]

If you don't have money/insurance for the MTHFR testing, you could just supplement with 1 tab methylfolate - just folic acid in converted form - further along the chain.

 

Check it out:

http://www.iherb.com/Solgar-Folate-Metafolin-Folic-Acid-800-mcg-100-Tablets/13961?at=1

 

http://www.iherb.com/Solgar-Folate-as-Metafolin-400-mcg-100-Tablets/14274?at=1

 

Use the 800 mcg. My dh and dc have the MTHFR gene and supplement with l-methylfolate. I've noticed a marked improvement in health and dh's homocysteine level.

[mcconnellboys]

Thank God and His goodness that she has told you before she ever hurt herself badly! Please hug her for all of us and let her know how much you love her. Try to let her know how important it is that she always come to you with such things and not wait until things get unbearable....

[Orthodox6]

Best not to start any natural/supplements remedies until after psychiatric diagnosis because some have the potential to interfere with prescription medications. Best scenario is a psychiatrist who knows about the benefits of certain supplements, or who is openminded enough to use a combination of prescription meds and alternative medicines. (I was so blessed to have someone who fit that description.)

 

An observation on Omega-3s, in the form of fish oil, for people who take them regularly, in therapeutic dosage. As they operate as a blood thinner, they can cause ongoing blood in the urine, confounding doctors. I finally figured out that this was the cause of my never-ending blood-in-urine results, so no longer take fish oil. (very bothered by having to stop, but had to be realistic)

 

Thanks be that the OB/GYN was not so foolish as to attempt either diagnosis or to prescribe psychiatric drugs !

 

Very expensive to follow the doctor route, but I so hope OP will not use cost as a reason not to do so. Too many risks, as the dd has been described.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Orthodox6

[YLVD]

Best not to start any natural/supplements remedies until after psychiatric diagnosis because some have the potential to interfere with prescription medications. Best scenario is a psychiatrist who knows about the benefits of certain supplements, or who is openminded enough to use a combination of prescription meds and alternative medicines. (I was so blessed to have someone who fit that description.)

 

An observation on Omega-3s, in the form of fish oil, for people who take them regularly, in therapeutic dosage. As they operate as a blood thinner, they can cause ongoing blood in the urine, confounding doctors. I finally figured out that this was the cause of my never-ending blood-in-urine results, so no longer take fish oil. (very bothered by having to stop, but had to be realistic)

 

Thanks be that the OB/GYN was not so foolish as to attempt either diagnosis or to prescribe psychiatric drugs !

 

Very expensive to follow the doctor route, but I so hope OP will not use cost as a reason not to do so. Too many risks, as the dd has been described.

 

:iagree: Well said