She is 11 and she seems depressed....she is never happy anymore... so I had her take a test today online and her score was like a 75 and 56 says severe depression. I dont know what to do.......... I dont want her taking medication for the rest of her life but I dont want her depressed.... what do I do?
2006-12-16 13:32:05 · 10 answers · asked by PrerdyCountryGal 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I used to be depressed. My parents talked to be about it, and I told them every thing, because it finally felt that I had someone to talk to that cared.
So talk to her, and if it doesn't seem to be getting better definitely take her to see a professional.
2006-12-16 13:42:15 · answer #1 · answered by arg.jew. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's very young . . . . . I wouldn't jump into the idea of medicating her until she spent some time with a qualified counselor. If you have only noticed the depression recently and if she communicates with you fairly well, I'd try getting her involved in some type of new activity for her to try. Like Girl Scouts, some type of sports or dance, or even art class. Does she like animals? See if the local animal shelter needs volunteers. I know you'd have to be with her, but working with animals for an hour might give her something to look forward to. Does she like books? Maybe the local library could use her for an hour to read stories to the children or to help shelve books on a volunteer basis.
Also, kids of this generation seem to stay inside in front of the computer or TV screen all the time. Especially in the winter months. The body needs fresh air and sunshine. Talk a walk with her every day or let her invite a friend over to play outside.
Do your homework regarding adolescents and depression. You can 'Google" the subject and find a wealth of information. Maybe you can find some other helpful ideas. But really, if all this doesn't help, think it over carefully and even get a second opinion before you put your child on anti-depressants. Hope it all works out - - - - she is blessed to have a very caring parent!!!!!
2006-12-16 15:06:50 · answer #2 · answered by TPhi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't assume she'll be on medication for the rest of her life.... she should see a professional - go straight to the psychiatrist since only an MD can write prescriptions for medication. Many times people need a "crutch" to help them through a difficult time - 6-12 mo. being on medication. Also, you need to meet with a psychologist for the emotional issues your daughter needs to address....
Just so you know - the doctor won't put your daughter on medication unless he/she is more than certain she is depressed to the point they feel medication would be beneficial...
2006-12-16 14:09:26 · answer #3 · answered by D. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a very good child psychologist and schedule an appointment. They will evauluate your daughter and advise you as to a course of treatment, which may or may not include medication. I agree, 11 is very young to be depressed and I don't blame you for not wanting her on medication, but right now, that may be the only recourse until she is stablized.
2006-12-16 13:44:02 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sooner you get her help, the better it will be. She might not have to be on the medication forever, just until she's better. You really should take her to her doctor. Depression only gets worse and it can spiral out of control, some kids have even committed suicide because of it. For her own safety, take her to the doctor.
2006-12-16 13:37:27 · answer #5 · answered by Danelle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally worry about meds being prescribed for anything and everything. Some doctors are nothing but pill pusher's, its the easy way out instead of getting to the root of the problem.
I worry a lot about kids maybe bullying her in school. Kids won't tell for some reason, they keep it to their self, like they are ashamed of it. Has she got friends or is she a loner.
Just a thought, may be way off base here.
2006-12-16 15:57:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a good family therapy practitioner, and take your family to family therapy. Depression in children is unlikely to be isolated to the child's issues. If you can find the cause of her depression through family therapy before it gets worse, that would likely help.
2006-12-16 13:38:27 · answer #7 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son was on meds when he was 10 & 11 he is now 14 and not on them and doing just fine. get her in to talk to someone, if she does need meds its not necessarily for the rest of her life. leaving the depression untreated is far more serious.
2006-12-16 15:13:54 · answer #8 · answered by melissa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You take her to her doctor to eliminate any medical condition. If clear, then you find a good therapist and start her on a regular schedule of visits.
2006-12-16 13:36:17 · answer #9 · answered by S H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If i were you i would talk to her why she is feeling depresed. Next try to take her to do fun stuff that she likes. If you have to give her medication then you shoud.
2006-12-16 13:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by blondebeauty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋