Depression - Teen Support Group
Teen depression is marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities. Depression can be a temporary response to many situations and stresses. Teens may be more susceptible to depression due to the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, and conflicts with parents as they become more independent.
My daughter ended up being hospitalized due to voices caused by Vyvanse last year right before Christmas. She never told me what they said. She said I did not want to know. Her psychiatrist told me the same. It was heartbreaking to admit her and not know if she would be home before Christmas. The psychiatrist at the hospital had completely different opinions than her treating psychiatrist. She is about to be 17. This all started around the same time she started her menstrual cycle. Prior to this, she was a genius. She could watch a video and teach herself anything. I always called her my reminder. She was my grocery list. My little personal assistant. Now I have to take care of her as if she has Benjamin Button Syndrome. She has cut/self harmed, had a suicide attempt, she has BiPolar, ADHD, Major Depression Severe with Psychosis 1 Episode to date, Social Phobia and Generalized Anxiety. I am a single parent with a pre-teen son. I want to find a doctor that will look into hormone levels as well as psychiatric care but doctors do not confer with one another. I feel perhaps a lot of this could be treated naturally. I am fixing to loose it myself and it is hard to work full time and deal with doctors and medications and try to be a supportive parent, but push her at the same time so she can live an independent life one day. I pray a solution / cure will come. I pray for understanding and wisdom. I spend most nights researching, because doctors just want to patch it all with a pill. I do know that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Neuro Feedback is a tremendous tool if you can find the right therapist that is well credentialed. My daughter takes Adderall and without it, she cannot do the simplest of tasks or retain anything. She does not take it when out of school, because she doesn't want to get addicted. She's tried other non-stimulant medications, and they just don't work for her. I am looking into Magnesium, Vitamin B's (Niacin to be exact), as well as Zinc and Selenium. All are to be very beneficial in the treatment of mental illness. However, if you mention this to an MD, PsyD or other they disregard it, because pharmaceutical America runs the world! Has anyone had success with natural processes's?
The best advice I can give you is to find a psychiatrist that is familiar with your child's illnesses (it is very important that you trust her Dr!), a compassionate therapist, and then find a support group for yourself. Have you heard of Nami? They have support groups all over the United States. Look them up online. If your child is 18 and over they have a support group that is called peer-to-peer that they can attend while you go to the support group for the caretakers. If your child isn't 18 or over I highly recommend that you go to the caretaker meetings. It is very important that you get support for yourself! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!
Sincerely, Coffeelover