How do I deal with daughter's teen depression/mood swings?

Question

My 16-yr-old daughter has been diagnosed with chronic depression. Caused by hormone imbalance. She's on Paxil and sees a counselor & doctor, but she still has some really bad days during the time of her period. She talks about wanting to cut herself to release her anger. Doesn't want to journal when she is extremely irritated. Does she just want to see my reaction (I deal with it calmly), or will she really start injuring herself? It seems like she's influenced by what she's seen and heard regarding self-injury that makes her want to try it. We usually have a good family relationship, so we are at a loss on how to help her. She's also getting to the point of resenting anyone in authority - - - such as teachers, principal, parents, grandparents. In the past few years, she has went from being an angel to struggling with inner demons. Should I switch counselors? Should I just give her some space? What can I do to make things better?

Answer 1

Here are some things you can try at home which may help her. All the best to you both.

"GET OUT OF BED:

One of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal.

LIGHTS:

Light helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course.

MOVE:

Be active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive.

MUSIC:

Select and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out.


BREAKFAST:

Begin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread.

TALK WITH SOMEONE:

One of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take.

And, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around.

LIMIT CAFFEINE:

The long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression.

LIMIT SUGAR:

Sugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too.

The caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue.

MAINTAIN FIBER:

Fiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals.

STRESS B COMPLEX:

Some persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial.
Some nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutritionist to see if there are other ways you can augment your diet.

ROUTINES:

Changing your routines is another way to help shake the blues. Choose a different combination of clothes to wear, walk rather than drive, take a different route, eat at a different place. Do something different to help break the routine.

It's hard. Getting up in the morning, turning on the lights, eating a nutritious breakfast, keeping busy--keeping such a schedule is not always easy.

You might need help for the first few days, someone to help you form good habits, get you out of bed. turn on the lights, make sure you have a good breakfast, someone to help you be more active. One good way is to make a contract with a friend or friends who want to see you change. It might seem embarrassing, but
those friends want to see you healthy and happy rather than depressed and difficult to be around. Note: If you feel that you need the help of someone for more than three or four days, you probably should make an appointment with a counselor or psychotherapist. You don't want to wear out your friends!

DEVELOP SUPPORTS:

Good old-fashioned support works wonders. Most of us have not developed "support systems." We need to think about that idea ahead of time, if we have the tendency to feel blue, so that the supports can be available when needed. Plan ahead by filling out the last section of this publication and keep it handy. In addition to developing your own resources, you might know of some community support groups for persons with the blues. Call the local mental health center to see if there are some groups you might be a part of. Some places to call for leads at K-State will be listed at the end of this brochure.

What do I do when I feel myself coming down with the blues?

Recognize the change in yourself when you are "coming down" with an emotional slump. Don't deny it or feel guilty. Rather, take charge of yourself right away.

Perhaps taking a day off and doing some favorite things will restore you. Get more exercise: walk, garden, cycle, swim. You might not feel like it, but exercise is one of the best depression breakers and preventers.

PRETEND:

Put a smile on your face and pretend that you are happy. Stand straight rather than falling into that slouching, depressed posture. Sound hokey? Well, it isn't. Research demonstrates that forming a facial expression actually changes how you feel inside. And pretending to feel an emotion results in actually feeling it. Frowners feel sadder. And the depressing effects last for hours. So smile: at yourself and others, even trees or dogs or cats. Sure, it's tough to smile when you're feeling blue. The extra effort you muster to do it will help you break the blues.

Wear bright, happy clothes and pretend you are happy. You will then find yourself happy. Maybe, even wear a goofy shirt or blouse or cap so you can see others smile with you. Dressing cheerfully and pretending can beat the blues.

SEEK OUT HUMOR:

See a funny movie, read a humorous book, or listen to a comedy tape/CD. When you see a really funny cartoon, make a copy and save it. Consciously decide to use and employ these things when you find yourself coming down with the blues. Singing can help -- make yourself do it.

EXERCISE:

It's worth stating again: Exercise is a great way to break depression. Walk, go to the Rec Center and ride an exercycle, swim, or climb stairs if it's too cold or hot outside.

Do not give in to those inner blues that say, "I don't feel like it."
Doing almost anything constructive will be beneficial."

Answer 2

Teenage Girl Mood Swings

Answer 3

Well Have you tried to get her to taken up some other type of activities. such as an art class (where she can channel her depression/mood swing for an outlet),

I know someone who was like that, when they get to that mood, they just want to closed themselve off from the world,and they can't seem themselves any more. Tried to get them to go through art, music, something away from the structure that she is used to.

How has your daughter projected her past inner demons? by writing ?

She need to expressed that out, and get that out of the system. Or else, this will carry on for the rest of her life. And that is something that very unpleasant for her. Making have her taking some Taekwondo, Karate? or something.

Get her involve with community work. Get other things involves in her life. The more she closed herself off to you and her world. The worst she will get.

Anyways, good luck! Best wishes!

Answer 4

If l was you l would be getting a second opinion, as it seems that the meds she is on are not doing their job right.
Being there for her is important but don't smother, or pity, or allow her to get away with everything because of her depression.
Do you have any ideas as to what these inner demons are, or what caused them? Finding this out would be a big help.
Remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time and try not to be to hard on your self.
Good Luck

Answer 5

Some of is normal teen behavior; some is anger related. The cutting thing is becoming an epidemic. We never used to see it and then cutting and burning became almost like a contagious disease. One kid would pass it on to the next. Keep your doctor informed and see if exercise will help. Is she in any clubs at school? Music or dance lessons?Sports? Charity work? Church activities? All of these are healthy outlets for kids who need to work off anger and too much introspection. Keep her sugar intake to a minimum. Also, does she take anything to help her during her periods? Even Midol could help. Ask the Dr.

Answer 6

Overcome your Depression Without Medication

Answer 7

My sister turned 16 a couple of days ago and she is a really smart girl but has some problems. I'd say a trip to Africa might help. She doesn't want your attention.

It's not your fault, it is your daughter's. Depression can be overcome, but sometimes medication is needed. Who the hell still takes paxil, switch her meds.

What the hell is inner demons? I'm a hypochondriac and it is something I can control by saying "what's the worst that could happen."

What is the worst that could happen in your daughter's case?
You could lose her. Obviously somethins not going right. Change it.

Answer 8

She has probably already hurt herself. You just don't see the scratches or small cuts yet. get her off paxil. go to a psychiatrist, not a counslor or a regular Doc.
Wanting to cut herself is a sure sign of deep emotional pain.
Hurting herself physically (like cutting) is a much easier pain to deal with, and she is in control of it.
Something hurt her real bad emotionally.
I suggest you let her see how concerned you are for her. Pray for her, and go to church with her. She needs the Lord, and He will help you too.
No paxil

Answer 9

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Enjoy every day as you did before and Start feeling fulfilled and enjoying the things you do

Answer 10

Frist, I think it's great that you're helping your daughter by giving her access to professional help and being overly supportive in helping her. Mental orders are very complex and take a long time to manage, but you're going to see your efforts pay dividends in her recovery.

I'm not going to try to play Dr, but I feel that it's possible that your daughter has been misdiagnosed (only a psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders can confirm this). From the information you've given, it appears that your daughter may be suffering from bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

Biploar depression can often be misdiagnosed as unipolar depression (major depression), where treating this condition with Paxil - an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) will actually provide the opposite of the desired effect, increasing bipolar depression. Bipolar depression is said to be much worse than unipolar depression.

As far as borderline personality disorder, professionals describe borderline personality disorder as a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self.

While a patient with depression or bipolar disorder typically endures the same mood for weeks, a person with BPD may experience intense bouts of depression, anxiety, or anger that may last only minutes, hours, or at most a day.These may be associated with episodes of self-injury (including cutting), impulsive aggression, and drug or alcohol abuse. Difficulties in cognition and sense of self can lead to frequent changes in long-term goals, career plans, jobs, gender identity, sexual orientation, friendships, and values.

Lastly, BPD is co-morbid and often exists with other mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, ADHD, etc.

Succesfull treatment includes medication management therapy and forms of structured psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy aka CBT).

I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and bpd and have been able to manage these illnesses through medication management and intensive psychotherapy.

I'm not sure what type of Dr's your daughter is seeing, but I can tell you that I didn't start to see positive results until I saw specialists who were well versed and experienced in treating mood disorders. In addition, I became vigilant in gaining knowledge by doing a significant amount of research and absorbing feedback from those afflicted through group therapy and online support groups. I essentially armed myself with as much information as possible, which became helpful in working with my doctor in getting the proper diagnosis. It's difficult for Dr's to be accurate, being that they can't dive into your daughters head and observe her thoughts.

Your daughter appears to show the symptoms of major mood disorders, however, I remember what life was like when I was 16 - it's tough for someone that age and she just may have a hard time adjusting to changes in life.

I hope she gets better soon and that you pull through this.

Answer 11

I would seek a second opnion. She is reaching out for help when she tells you she wants to cut herself.
Try to get her more involved with sports, etc.
Dont give her more space, unless she asks for it.
She may feel like you are avoiding her and her problems or dont care.
Just be there for her. talk to her as much as she will let you.
Good luck