New to this forum! Hello!

[JoVal]

Hello, I'm new to this forum and introducing myself as the parent of a teen suffering from anxiety/depressive symptoms is one of the hardest things I find myself doing today. Admitting out loud that my beautiful child is hurting. I'm hoping to find support and of course information to help me help my child.

[Celtic27]

Hi joval first of all welcome to the group i hope you can get the advice you want ! Regards your teen i understand you want the best for them depending on there age it will impact on what you can do there are crisis help centres depending were you live ! If your in the USA try seeking out age appropriate councilling for them the reason i say that is the way they would approach it is different depending yet again on age ! Please take care and i hope things work out for you and your child !

[JoVal in reply to Celtic27]

Thank you. My youngest has been in counseling for 6 months now. They recommended anti-anxiety meds but my husband has been adamantly against it until recently when he realized that she's not getting better. I suffer from anxiety myself but have never been on meds.

[Celtic27 in reply to JoVal]

Hi joval i dont really understand your husbands reluctance to have the girl on meds what does he want to do wait till she has more problems and have a harder fight against her anxiety ! Also it may be worth going to your doctor with your anxiety as left untreated it will not get much better ! Ive had depression and anxiety which is being treated with meds i cant see how i would be any better without the on going help from my doctor,phyciatrist ,wife and sister ! Please consider getting at least some advice good luck david

[JoVal in reply to Celtic27]

His resistance is his ignorance and lack of education of mental health illnesses, which, as we've gone through this journey, has lessened. Because he feels that anyone can control their mindset, he doesn't consider it a "physical" illness. He is learning as we go that this is not going away and that she cannot control her thoughts. As for me, I exercise regularly which helps a TON, I have also reached out to my child's therapist to find a support group for parents and I've joined this forum for support. I do have a lot of family support, but I feel like it's a burden telling my problems to those who can't relate nor understand. But I do confide with some relatives who also suffer from anxiety and depression, but I also know that it's hard for them to hear that my beautiful child is in so much pain, so it sometimes intensifies their pain.

[MinhHo123]

You being here and seeking to understand is a great first step. I wish more parents were more understanding. My Family tells me I need to be stronger, I am trying my darnest and this illness has me on my knees. Just be patient with your teen. Make allowances for personality changes and outbursts. You can help more than you know. You can help your teen heal. We are so often misunderstood. We are not looking for sympathy, just more allowances to be human. I am a big stocky guy and GAD has me feeling worthless at times. Just be there for your teen, but allow for spaces too. Timing is everything. Hope this helps.

[JoVal in reply to MinhHo123]

Thanks! My husband has that "be strong" mentality, but teens do not understand what that means. I'm learning, reading and really just trying to support her in every way possible, but I find myself scared to leave her alone. I appreciate your words of support.

[Hidden]

Its awesome that you are there for your daughter. And never stop being there. My parents don't understand what's going on with me. I had depression all my life and the past three years my anxiety has gotten really bad. And I'm all alone. Your daughter is very fortunate to have you. Best wishes to her and you!

[JoVal in reply to Hidden]

My kids are everything to me. I'll do whatever I need to do to understand this condition and try to fix it. Sometimes, I know I try too hard, and i know it's my own anxiety of not having control and not being able to fix their issues and help them feel better. I'm sorry that you're struggling. The guilt of seeing my children suffer is something that I fight with within myself every day. Almost like I've failed them and sometimes no positive thinking can help ease those negative thoughts.

[JoVal]

My youngest is in therapy and has been recommended medication, but it's been an uphill battle getting my husband to sign off on allowing it. My daughter has voiced her willingness to try it, but my husband is old school and had the mindset that she can "control" her thinking without realizing that her mind is her worst enemy right now. He was finally able to talk to a friend of the family who works in the mental health field and has convinced him to open his mind to this. It's been a work in progress. I have also signed us up at the gym, as she's active and wanted to try it out. We also adopted a dog to help ease her anxiety a bit. I'm very proactive but I'm falling apart with every set back we encounter. I just feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Cat2]

Hi, welcome JoVal!