Son with depression when is it normal and when does he need help?

Question

I have a 14 year old who easily has been suffering from depression a majority of his life. I think based upon the death of his sister when he was 3, and has just grown from there. I have tried giving him herbs. Treating him for hyperhomocysteinemia with vitamins, and also learned much about mental therapy on my own in the last 14 years which Ive used to try to help him. But...

He is not getting better, and now going into his teenage years I am worried that it will get out of control somewhere soon.

Is it time for help? Or am I missing something. And does counceling ever help?

Answer 1

The time for help is when you recognize that there is a problem. Get him into treatment now. Keep in mind that it sometimes takes a few tries to find the right psychiatrist and therapist. It took me 4 tries to find the right one. Also, since he has had the depression for so long, make sure he has a complete physical and is checked for everything that could cause the depression. Some physical causes are underactive thyroid or vitamin deficiency (particularly Vitamin B). There are others that his doctor should know about. Counseling alone will probably not help your son since his depression does not appear to be situational.

Answer 2

Yes, counseling helps, and he probably could have benefited from it when he was 3. But, what's done is done, and at least he's had a supportive parent to help him.

At this point, it might take counseling in addition to meds to help him. People are afraid of antidepressants because they wonder if a person has to stay on them always. What happens when the person stops the meds. Doesn't the depression come back? But the thing is that the medications help to change the person's thinking so that the thinking itself then becomes normal and then they can be weaned off the medication once the positive, happier, healthier thinking has become a habit.

Think of it as leg braces for a child whose feet were severely turned in. The leg braces help to train the feet in the right direction, then the muscles and all the other supports slowly get stronger and can take over. Then there is no need for the braces anymore. Keep in mind, sometimes the first medication isn't the one that works, it might take trying different kinds, especially at this age. What works best for adults, doesn't always work best for teens. Ask around for a good psychiatrist for teens. If you come across one that isn't helping, don't be afraid to move on. You are your son's advocate.

Don't be afraid to get help. Your son has suffered long enough.

Answer 3

Hi oregonnymph. My sister died when she was 12 and I was 14. Now I am 32 and suffering from depression. Sometimes I ask myself how would it have been If I had gone to the shrink then. Maybe my depression would not be this bad. Oregonnymph is your time to help your kid. Do not wait. The biological explanation of depression is that the person neurotrasmiters are unbalance. The spiritual explanation of depression is that the person has a spirit attached to his aura (usually from the dead one if they were closed). Going to a GOOD shrink will help your kid. He will be able to talk about what happened and heal. I am taking meds, maybe your kid is to young to start medication, although is helps with the symptoms. There are also softer meds like St John´s wort. Bach flowers. And other things like acupuncture.
Treat him now. do not wait, it could get worse. If you want to contact me for further questions please write [e-mail]

Answer 4

I would really have to suggest that you talk to a councilor and see what you can do about the situation. I would also talk to him and let him know that you are there for him and that when he is ready to talk , you are ready to listen without criticism. When a child this young goes through something drastic, it is hard for them to open up and talk to people about it. You have to be persistent on letting him know that you care and love him and that you are always there to listen to his thoughts and feelings. So, yes, I do think that it is time to seek some outside help. Yes, counciling can help if you search around and get one that is highly recomended. It is easier for someone to talk to someone that they don't know.

Answer 5

I'm sorry but the "When does he need help" thing was back when he was 3! You've neglected this child, get him help now! If you don't and something happens, you'll have to live with it the rest of your life.

Answer 6

Talk to him. Flat out talk to him. Not a short snappy "get in bed!" but a long, flowing talk. Tell him that u care. Make him relize other people care to.
Good Luck

Answer 7

well i am 14 and i have depresion problems i have had them since i was 10 and tyhings arnt going so well for me eather i talk to things that arnt their and see things like a lil gril walking down the death path im emo i cut so that dont help but i think you should get him help becuz my parents never did and i had to help myself i had to try to not be depressed pills never worked for me so yeahh i think you should i bet im the best person to talk to since i am 14 but im a girl and sometimes depression come worse when your hormons kick in mine do that to its hard to forget but i no how he feels becuz i have no mom and dad my mom got shot in the head and thrown out the window by my dad and mjy dad well he die of a shot to the leg and it hit an artary so yes i know how he feels i no i can help what i do is i go to a class for people who need help with that stuff it kinda helps i guess i mean you can talk to them about anything and they cant say anything to anyone about it so if your son needs to talk to someone take him to a class for people like him ..


Love emo (lost)

also you can email me if you want...

my name is Danylle but i spell it danielle becuz i dont like ho its spelld.

Answer 8

it is time for him to get help from a professional...counseling helps and he might need medicine to help him out of depression....