dealing with a depressed teenager with hardly any motivation, not even motivated to do school work
I agree you should send you child to a psychologist. Here's one who really cares:
Cory Bank, Ph.D.
http://www.abingtonpsychology.com/
222 Keswick Avenue
Glenside PA, 19038
###-###-####
good luck!
They are finding that depression may be a symptom of not enough sleep, rather than lack of sleep being a symptom of depression. Mood is very much dependent on sleep. So, can you convince your child to sleep more? Does he/she get exercise 3x a week?
I would stay away from anti-depressants and Dr diagnoses. FDA testing results show that placebo's are as effective as the antidepressant drugs, and the drugs have awful side effects.
I was a depressed teen, led to believe I suffered from clinical depression, due to my mother's family history. Needless to say, when I was in my mid-20s, I figure out that I just need to make sure I got a lot of sleep and enough exercise.
I'd just tell your child how much you love him/orher, and that you are there for them if he/she wants to talk.
Having had relatives that have struggled with life-long depression, treatment can be difficult at this age but neccessary as they are more at risk for suicide or eating disorders like anorexia (even boys). If there is a history of depression in the family, your child is even more at risk. It's worth taking your teenager to the doctor.
Beware of any medications if they are prescribed - behavioral or talk theraphy is better (with a psychologist), vs treatment through drugs (usually with a psychiatrist). Many have side effects that are worsened in teenagers and/or young adults who are underweight, with scary side effects that can mimic psychological symptoms, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Newsweek had a cover article recently about the pros and cons of prescription medications for depression.
Depression is a big monster for those of us that suffer from it. I feel for you trying to motivate you teenager as it is hard to get that inner motivation. Teenagers seem to have it a worse than the rest of the population due to the extra hormonal activity. Have you discussed this with a doctor for medication? I wish you and your child luck, please do seek medical advice though. take care
hey there mama i was a very depressed teen...the only thing that really helped for me was i went to visit a counselor(not a therapist) a counselor is more like a friend at first i was totally against it then i found myself looking forward to going when i started i was going a few days a week then it just turned into weekly then eventually i didnt need to go anymore.they took me to a therapist before the counselor and she wanted to put me on meds my mom refused and im glad she did.the counselor was a lot less intimidating.i wish you the best of luck with this i know it's a scary situation.
Hi, H.:
Seek a therapist.
Good luck. D.
Get your teen to see a Dr. asap. Being depressed can be really hard and this is something that nobody should have to deal with alone.
I am sorry that you have to go through this with your child. I know that we all want beautiful and smart and out going very happy children. But it doesn't always work out that way.
God Bless.
Hi! I also have a teenager and an adult friend going through the same thing. But I can talk to you about it, if that"s ok? ____@____.com
Hugs H.. I went through this with my daughter. It was a terrible and scary time. Counselling helped a lot for her, I would really suggest getting a referral for your son or daughter, and finding someone that he or she has a good repoire with. Good luck
