Anxiety and or depression

[Newbie008]

I am a parent of a teenager who is going through anxiety and possibly depression. What can I do to support him without making him feel like I wanna fix it. We are in therapy and are going to back to his doctor to try a new medicine. Which brings me to my next question, is there a good medicine to try. He was on Zoloft and this made him see stuff and have good thoughts. Any advice would be greatly appreciate.

[Mumma_h]

That's so good he's in therapy; well done mummy . I am in my 40;s but it still makes me feel wonderful when my mum tells me I'm doing a great job; that I'm worth so much; that I have a whole life to live and a great future ahead. She is in her 70;s and looks amazing and has sooooo many friends that I sometimes feel older than her lol. But she always encourages me and I'm sure would even love to set me up with someone lol lol. Anyway just loads of love and understanding is sometimes the best medicine; which he clearly gets because your here asking questions. Laughter truly is good medicine too; I thought it was just a saying but it's true; funny movie nights?with his favourite snacks? But also , very importantly, make sure you look after yourself too! Living with someone with depression can be; but not always; be tough on those who love us. Let him know too; if he's young , that anxious feelings are perfectly normal ❤️

[Newbie008]

Mumma_h

Thank you for the advice. I let him know he’s never a disappointment and I’m here to just vent and that’s it’s normal and never alone. I know also a lot easier to say than to actually have him feel that.

Yes he does love to snack, since he’s 14.lol He loves to make me laugh and others. I will make this a point to remind him of the little things. Sounds like your mom is a wonderful lady. I also can relate on the mom trying to set you up with someone, mine tries too. Lol ☺️

[Mumma_h in reply to Newbie008]

He sounds lovely!! And you already are doing a wonderful job! Let him know that as well as these feelings being normal, that they will fade away as he grows.

[therem-hart]

Hi!

First of all it always makes me so happy (even if bittersweet bc I never experienced that) to see parents take their child's mental health seriously and try to help so I think you are already doing much better than some parents. Secondly, you didn't specify the doctor you will take him to - I would advise seeing a psychiatrist instead of GP if you're not already.

Hmm, as a person with both depression and anxiety, as some people already said, it is good to remind him that he is doing well, that his struggles don't go unnoticed and that he can lean on you if needed. I also think that it is very important to not make him feel like you expect him to feel better from the things you do? That just puts a lot of pressure on anyone. So just do the little things you can think of, be there to provide comfort and a safe space, but don't be disappointed when that doesn't make him feel less anxious/depressed, ya know? Just keep searching for things that help. Also listen to his advice abt what helps (but asking outright what would make him feel better can be pressuring too?)

Also re: medicine - it's a journey, sadly, as there is still no way to tell which will work for which person. I've been through 4 types of antidepressants now and am still looking for the right kind. But it is possible to find the right type and combining it with therapy is bound to help.

Sorry for the long post, heh. Again, thanks for doing what you do, it makes me happy to see that there are parents like you!

[Newbie008 in reply to therem-hart]

Thank you so much. This makes me feel better than I’m going the right thing. He just started seeing a therapist. And I will take your advice.

[Ragdoll15]

Zoloft (sertraline here in UK) is often used as a first antidepressant because it's supposed to be a mild one. However, it does not suit everyone but there are plenty more and it's just finding the right one. It's hard when a young person is suffering with depression because you want to make it go away for them. You sound a really caring mum and I would think your son knows that you are there for him. Im sure the doctor will be able to advise you about medication. What helps one person might not be suitable for another. It's just a matter of trial and error. I hope he will soon find suitable treatment and get well soon. Xj

[Newbie008 in reply to Ragdoll15]

Thank you so much.

[CaringmClara]

It’s great that you’re already in therapy and working with his doctor. The best way to support your teenager is to be there for him without pressuring him to "fix" things. Simply listen, validate his feelings, and show understanding. Let him know you're there for him no matter what. When it comes to medication, it’s important to work closely with his doctor to find the right one, as everyone responds differently. Since Zoloft caused side effects, there are other options like Citalopram or Escitalopram, but the doctor will help guide the choice based on his needs. Keep the communication open and continue with the professional support.