I'm a parent of a teen newly diagnosed with depression. They are seeing a psychiatrist & therapist and on medication.
I'd like to know what other resources (especially online support groups) parents have found useful?
One of my primary concerns right now is that both of their medications have "increased risk of suicide" as a side effect. I understand that, generally, the benefits outweigh the risks but it's still quite scary and I'd like to know how others are navigating it.
Sounds like your teen is well grounded in support, that's a great start for both of you.
What kinds of supports are holding you up? Friends? Family? Spouse?
I'm not aware of what area of the world you may live in but you could check out a training program called Safe Talk for yourself.
I wish you both well, your teen is blessed to have a caring parent.
Tbh, when I was a teen and put on antidepressants, they turned me into a right cow. The depression caused due to me turning nasty almost ran me over the edge.
The issue really isn't the meds, its the support group a person has around them. People need people around them who will not be judgemental or harsh or controlling. If you support the good ideas and validate but disagree (without the telling off/ belittling) with the ridiculous/ negative talk, then the person wont feel useless, unable, a wreck/ mess/ antisocial/ etc. etc. etc. If they don't think what they say is going to come back at them in a negative manner they will be more open.
Talk as a friend , not just as a worried mum. Put yourself in your teens shoes, with the thoughts and ideas you had when at that age. Tell them stories, moralistic ones, of people in these same or similar situations with the best advice on how to deal with things.
Spend time together, lots of time. A loving, safe, non-judgemental space is what they need).
Could you translate "right cow" for me?
Hmmm, 'right cow'
I have always been considerate to others, on the meds I lost my ability to empathise with anyone. I stopped feeling and so had no control when I lashed out at the world as there was no longer any sense of moral resistance to my comments. I shouted at siblings and parents, either being silent or snapping at them ALL the time.
Every night I would cry all night for why I had been such a nasty mean person, because that was when all the emotions came back, at night. I didn't know what was wrong with me and it was deeply distressing as it was like I was a completely different person. Someone I couldn't even recognise to be me.
I appreciate the explanation, thank you!
Sure. Good luck! Our prayers are with you both.
If you can reassure your daughter enough that she doesn't close in on herself, doesn't feel alone, you will be helping her immensely.
Your in it together.
I am sorry your teen is struggling with depression. It is great that they are on medication and that they are in therapy. It is important too as a parent that you are receiving support and counseling. Here is a great podcast about having a teen who is struggling. I hope you find it helpful. bit.ly/35KGmzl I struggle with depression and also had a daughter who struggled for a while, but through counseling, medication, and prayer we both are doing better. I will be praying for you. Know you are not alone, there are others who understand what you are going through. Hugs and Blessings!
I understand your concern… If I were in your shoes I would have the same fears. Teenagers can be difficult to assess and keep track of. I’m sure you feel very helpless right now… Asking too much can push them away ask too little you might miss something… Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
I understand your concern… If I were in your shoes I would have the same fears. Teenagers can be difficult to assess and keep track of. I’m sure you feel very helpless right now… Asking too much can push them away ask too little you might miss something… Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Thanks for the replies.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the specific concern of the increased risk of suicide with antidepressants?
If it were my child… I would not use anti-depressants. If it were severe enough I would try inpatient otherwise...Outpatient therapy and very careful monitoring. Here’s an article… And there are many others that may help you clarify some of your concerns
I have been on antidepressants for years. If your daughter is on the right one it should help balance the chemicals in her brain that are causing depression. Wellbutrin has worked for me. It was explained to me once that depression is like diabetes, you need to get the right dosage and medication to keep the chemicals in our body balanced. Medicine along with counseling helps improve the depression. I know from experience. I was suicidal and had to be hospitalized twice. It is important to reach out for that help. Depression is so hard to explain, but I absolutely hate when I have that deep dark feeling that I can understand and why I want so badly to harm myself to make it go away. But then when I am not depressed I can feel so amazing. Just a little chemical imbalance can set me off. What has helped is learning to be aware of my thoughts, how hard I am on myself, my expectations, and giving myself permission to take a break. I will be praying you get the right help for your daughter. God Bless!
I went on medication for depression as a teen and have been in the dreaded medication game for nearly 30 years. If at all possible, i’d say find other ways for your kids to manage their symptoms. One day they may need the meds but the meds will also add all sorts of new problems, many that cant be undone. Let their brain and bodies learn to regulate on their own if at all possible.
They have made one and possibly two suicide attempts (and been hospitalized) so at least for the time being I don't consider not medicating an option.
I’m sorry! Uggh... it’s so hard to be a parent. If there has already been suicidal ideation, I don’t believe the medicine will increase that. It hasn’t for me and the thoughts have always been there. In fact, now I just blame my thoughts on the meds! I tell myself it’s a pesky side effect and because of that would never act on it. I think you communicate to your kids that the meds may cause negative thoughts (even though they probably wont) and this is a side effect you want them to share with you immediately if it happens. You should be able to tell quickly if the meds are causing agitation, aggression, withdrawal, mood swings, etc. If so, address it right away. I think it will be ok if you are involved and perceptive. Wishing you the best!
I am glad that your teen is confiding in you. my daughter was suffering from depression , but she was very secretive. I found out about her when she attempted suicide, it was a great shock to find out how down she was. Then after she was put in a hospital fot 6 months nd had therapy, we thought she was going to be better. Then a year later she did it again, it was a real attempt but we saved her. Then when she went to a hospital for a second time she met a man. She got pregnant and that seemed to make her determined to live. She still suffers from depression, but managed to bring up her daughter. Now she does not answer the phone or door to me, why I do not know, I just hope every phone call is her.
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