My sister is showing signs of depression and the physcologist is going to put her on anti- depressants.
Is it possible for a 13 yr old to be depressed?
I keep trying to make her feel better but it always ends up in a fight.
I don't know what to do anymore.
2006-06-12 13:51:52 · 37 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I keep thinking it's my fault.
If this is relevant, she is on Ritalin and she has sleeping problems.
I care so much about her I don't know what I'm going to do.
I wish I could prevent her from taking the meds, but the doctor and my mom think it is best. I still think it is unnatural, but if it gets her back to normal it might be worth it.
I'm sorry if that was just a rant.
I just need to talk.
Oh and there is a family history of depression.
My brother went on meds when he was 16.
2006-06-12 14:05:18 · update #1
yes u can be depressed at any age
2006-06-12 13:53:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please take this seriously. When I was thirteen I took an overdose of my mother's sleeping pills. I had never drank or drugged or even smoked a cigarette. I was subsequently diagnosed as bi-polar and have been on medication for about 35 years. It took a long time to get the right medicine at the right dosage, but once it was right, it changed my life. If I had to go back to the way I used to feel, I would put a bullet in my brain in a heartbeat. It is a horrible, horrible way to live. You can't make her feel better, although it's great that you care enuf to try. Just try to understand, this is not something she can "snap out of". She's not nuts, she has a medical condition, not unlike a broken arm. Give her love and respect and get this girl some medical help. Believe me, you'll be SO glad you did. Good luck and God bless.
2006-06-12 14:11:40 · answer #2 · answered by olelady55 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's entirely possible to have clinical depression at a young age. (I was first diagnosed at 10.) Don't feel bad if cheering your sister up isn't working the way you think it should - it's a mental illness that requires professional treatment, so if she is getting medication, the doctor will likely add counseling and monitor her condition too.
The best thing you can do is to be there for her without imposing yourself too much, and let your parents know if there are any weird, sudden changes in her behavior, which can indicate a worsening of her condition that requires medical attention. But be patient, be kind, and most of all, be there. With treatment, she'll be fine.
2006-06-12 13:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by P.J. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depression is a very serious situation and yes a 13 year old girl can be depressed about any number of things. I hope that the medicine works for her because many people go through many medicines before they find one that works. Just try to be their for her when she needs you and it does sound like you are trying very hard, if it always ends up in a fight just tell her if you need me for anything i am here for you, and mabey she will come to you and you two can talk about what is bothering her, just be patient and mabey you can help her. We all should be their for our family. I hope she feels better real soon.
2006-06-12 14:03:32 · answer #4 · answered by aprilrain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! Depression affects many ages, especially teenagers. I am speaking from experience because I suffer from depression and I am currently on medication. its hard to make someone with depression feel better because they cant see things the way others do. People with depression are often very sensitive to the things that people do and say, and its hard for them to understand that you are trying to help them because to them it sometimes feels like criticism. I think the best way to help someone who is depressed is to say something but be careful how you say it. For example you could say to your sister, " You are my sister and I may not show it all the time but I care about you and love you." Explain to her what behavior you are seeing in her and tell her how you feel but tell her the good qualities that you like about her and help her self esteem. I think it also couldnt hurt for her to maybe see a counselor if shes having a lot of bad feelings or any suicidal tendencies.
2006-06-12 13:59:25 · answer #5 · answered by niteangel2283 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can be severely depressed at the age 13. Severely depressed teenagers are a suicide risk.
There are two kinds of depression: reactive depression and non reactive depression. Reactive depression is the kind of depression you feel when your wife dies or something like that. It takes months to grow out of it, but it is normal and nothing to worry about.
Non reactive depression is a very serious mental illness and you should help her to seek treatment if that is the problem. Modern medicines are very effective.
2006-06-12 14:27:16 · answer #6 · answered by Monica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most 13 yr olds are depressed and happy and go through mood changes , I remember this as a young teen. TRy to relax and talk to your parents about it. Maybe ya'll can do something together . YOU should not have to take mediaction for this. It is a natural process. Once you start taling pills the porcess will not have it chance to mature. This is part of your cooping skills
2006-06-12 13:58:35 · answer #7 · answered by darknight_is_here 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's a shame that the doctor had to resort to anti-depressants. I don't believe they should be used except as a last resort. I certainly don't have anything against them. I'm on Effexor, myself. It's just sad that someone at this early stage in life is already on meds.
Best advice I could give would be to give her space when she wants it, but be ready when she asks for help or companionship.
2006-06-12 13:56:30 · answer #8 · answered by merlin_steele 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby, yes a 13 yr old can have depression. But it is not your fault it isn't anybody's fault. Just keep hoping and believing that everything will be okay sometimes it hurts to watch the one's you love go through things like that but it will be okay if you don't see it now you will one day. God Bless.
Depression is nothing but worry about something see if you can find out what it is and if you let her know it will be alright and not to worry about it.
2006-06-12 14:12:56 · answer #9 · answered by amcnairfew 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible she could be depressed. Or she could just be showing signs of PMS. It's hard to say-does your family have a history of depression? Only a professional can determine weather or not your sister has depression.
2006-06-12 13:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by cindos_69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started getting depressed about the time I turned 13. I am now 40 and have had a lifetime of depression. I am o.k. sometimes then I go back into it. You should make sure your sister gets the treatment and family support she needs because it doesn't go away by itself.
2006-06-12 14:22:21 · answer #11 · answered by reallyfedup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋