That's really tough..could you talk to them about revising their views on medication or at least therapy.

Wow...I need more information thogh. How old is she? If she is just showing signs of depression, her parents may be right in not wanting medication in that in young children, teens and even young adults it can make suicidal ideation worse. However, that is just antidepressant medication, not all medications that treat mood disorders. If she is suffereing from Anxiety maybe they would be willing to consider medicating her with sedatives. That is much cheaper, more easily tolerated, tested on younger people with no significant side effects.

This is going to be a very tough day for you. There is no magic answer as to what you can say or do that will magically enlighten your family. Since you have a mood disorder, it is possible that there may be a genetic predisposition for other family members. Maybe if your family ccan see how other treatments have been effective (or not effective) for you they will be more willing to try a therapy for your niece. I wish you the best of luck today. You will be in my thoughts.

MHMR has a really good program with counseling and meds if needed. It works on a sliding scale fee also so that might help. I used to have this thought in my mind of what MHMR was and I was wrong. They have a lot of really good programs and help people who do not have insurance or do not have good insurance.
Second, parents have been known to change their mind on medication (if needed). I was like that with my son in the beginning. I did not want to give him medication just so that he would be easy to handle or to make my life easier. I was very much against medication. I learned that it made my sons life easier not mine. He takes it regularly now and leads a more productive life because unfortunately he does need it. Is it what I would prefer........no...is it what is needed.....yes.
Good luck to you.

i agree with Lou
it's important to do everything possible to try and help with this issue, it is important.

what would you want to hear? what are the things that help you? Your understanding and insight would be probably be very helpful. As well as just plain being there for her.
i'm sorry that your both going through this, i can't imagine how difficult it must be. *hugz* and good luck to you.

Her age is important to know.

I have a neighbor who is a pdoc at a child and adolescent treatment facility, and while discussing Omega3 fish oil supplements, she told me that Omega3 is now the preferred first line of treatment before subjecting children to pharmacuticals.
I believe OmegaBrite was specifically formulated for mental illness treatment, and they have special versions for kids including liquid form.
Worth asking about at the very least.

Hi Draus,
I'm so sorry for your situation. I can relate as my daughter (12) has been going through something similar the last several months. Maybe she could start by giving her Omega-3 which is good non-medicinal alternative for depression. The thing to beware of though is that if she is in fact bipolar this could induce mania.

As for the suicidal thoughts/attempt there was a really good thread a little while ago on the bp board that started with a list of things to think about when in that state. Maybe Lou2 can help me here as I think it may have been her post. I'll see if I can find it again and send it to you. It was very good and it might be worth printing out some of the suggestions for your niece to read through when she is feeling suicidal.

I wish you luck and feel free to message me if you need to talk.

Deb

OK, it was Lou2's post in the bp community here is the link
http://dailystrength.org/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,53/func,view/viewtype,discussion/id,967037/catid,663/

and the post started with this:


some things to think about if seriously contemplating suicide.

1. You will die eventually anyway, your pain won't last forever, so just stick it out. Being dead is likely dull, may as well make some memories to last you. You will be dead a long, long time.
2.Your perspective may change, bipolar can really distort your judgement about everything, give it time.
3. circumstances also change, the future may not be anything like you imagine, it might be better.
4. your suicide will place your problems on your loved ones as they may be dealing with its aftermath for the rest of their lives.
5, family members of suicides are more likely to suicide themselves.
6. Suicide attempts are not fail-safe and may inflict more damage you'll be stuck with. ie/ i know s/one who jumped in front of a train and now is in a wheelchair with no legs.. people OD & incur brain damage etc,
7. Suicide is a choice..You can choose to fight it!!!!
Posted on 10/07/07, 11:10 pm