My family recently relocated across the country. Since that time, my 15 year old has been very withdrawn at school, having a very difficult time even talking. A small group of girls have tried to take her under their wings but she doesn't seem to respond. Her grades have dropped and she cries easily. Other than the move (which certainly is a big life changer), our home is free of stress or conflict, so I don't think her sadness is from her home life. I called a psychiatric group on our insurance plan and they can't see her until July. If you have any kind advice to help steer me to help her, please write.
2007-05-15 04:33:33 · 7 answers · asked by gentle understanding 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes the is in a sever depression. You need to call the Dr. office and tell them this is an emergency. She needs to be seen ASAP. Don't take no for an answer. I have been through this with my son. He had the same symptoms as your daughter. It was a long haul. He has Clinical Depression. He has to take medication. He went through Counseling and Had to see a mental health Dr. Don't wait, the longer you do, The harder it will be to bring her out of her depression. My son started to threaten suicide. My son was 13, when his problems first began. Please, get her help today. Don't put it off.
Get her to talk about her problems. If she do not want to talk. You do the talking. Just tell her you know how tough it has been for her. That you understand what she is going through. That you know how hard it is to move and leave every thing behind. Ask her if she would like to call her best friend. Let her call her. Maybe you should call her first and tell her what is going on. Maybe if there is any way that her friend come out after school is out, for a few weeks. Maybe she could help get her to accept the things around her. I have a feeling your daughter was not very out going, maybe her friend was. Her friend might be able to get her involved with the other friends that are trying.
Just keep talking to her. She might not answer you. This will help her to think and know that you are there for her. Just keep on trying. Good Luck My thoughts and prayers are with. This is a long haul for you. Make sure you go into the counciling sessions to talk to the person who is going to see your daughter. Every visit. They will want to see her by herself too. Make sure that your daughter has the right therpist. hange if you have to. Make sure they listen. You have the right to change the therpist if they are not doing what is right for your daughter. Sorry for haw long this is. I have been through this. You have to fight every step of the way for your daughter. so she will be a healthey , happy person again. She deserves it and so do you. Be Strong, Things will be better.
2007-05-15 04:49:37 · answer #1 · answered by Bandit 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Of course her sadness is from home life. It's different from what she was used to. How long did you live in your old home? This could be a major contributor. She could be very home sick. I know I went through the same thing when I moved two states away after high school two years ago.
I wouldn't be able to tell you if it's depression, but I can warn you to be cautious of such labels. Many doctors are too quick to say it's depression and dole out drugs, and in this case I'm not too sure this is what your daughter needs. Drugs should only be used to treat chemical imbalances, and unless your daughter was like this before I doubt this is the case.
If it's possible, see if she can visit friends back home regularly, or if a friend can come stay in the new home for a weekend. Also, try encouraging her to participate in activities at her school such as sports and clubs. They're great ways to meet people with similar interests. It can take a while, but eventually she'll adjust and won't seem so withdrawn.
Until then, please be patient with her. Remind her that you love her and will be there if she needs to talk. Also, gently nudge her back into the good habits she had before (you mentioned that her grades are falling, but what else have you noticed that she's not doing as well in?). If she can find a way to fall into a routine similar to the one she had before the move, it may be easier to adjust.
Talking with a psychiatric group may be helpful. Your daughter may be willing to talk to them about things that she would be otherwise embarrassed/unwilling to talk to you about. July is a ways off, though. Are there any other groups covered by your insurance that have any earlier openings by any chance?
Either way, the sooner she starts interacting with people and talking about her insecurities, the sooner she'll be more comfortable in her new home =)
2007-05-15 05:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by Laura 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ooo 15 is a tough age to move. She probably misses her friends and her life back where you were pretty badly.
If I were you, I'd not worry about your insurance and look for a therapist that can see her before July...they work with you on payment plans...just let them know your situation. Sometimes the need of your children has to trump practicality.
Also, find some special things around town you can do as mother and daughter...make her feel special.
2007-05-15 04:43:41 · answer #3 · answered by allrightythen 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
15 is a rough age there may be many things going through her mind.
My suggestion would be, journaling. If she doesn't have a journal, this would be a good time to take her shopping and let her pick out a journal. Let her know that a journal is for letting her express her deepest thoughts, hopes, dreams and fears on paper, and that is something private. Sometimes we just can't talk about problems, especially at 15, but writing it down gives sense of release. Just let her know that you are there, and I'm sure she already knows that.
God bless you!
2007-05-15 05:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by Tree H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem with my 15 year old daughter, the insurance limited me to certain doctors, I could not get into the doctor for almost a month. Two weeks later she said she wanted to die,and thought of it every day. She is at a hospital now,and they found out she had some medical problems that cause depression. Her thyroid was way low. Push them to get her help.
2007-05-15 07:06:45 · answer #5 · answered by ldg 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, moving, for a teen, is a major life stressor. You can help her by getting her out of the house and doing things with her. Spend time with her, go discovering things in your location, find interesting museums, cool malls, where the movie theaters are......what sorts of activities did she participate in where you used to live, try to find those activities in your new location. In other words, show by your actions, that you want to help her transition to her new situation. Encourage her to write to her old friends, or let her call them, and tell them about where she is living now. At first she will probably want to whine and groan to them about how terrible it is, this is normal, but eventually she will find good things about where she is now, and will be telling them that, and eventually, she will be more focused on her new life, and less so on her old friends and old life. Teens will adjust, just don't leave them to do it on their own. They need your understanding and most of all your time.
2007-05-15 04:43:22 · answer #6 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Mia,
YES, these are sure signs of depression and you need to act quickly! You were told NONSENSE, please call them back and tell them this is an emergency and that it can't wait until July!
Please call them again!
They gave you some bad information! If the Ins. co. is caring and considerate, they would move on this situation and get your child seen somehow!
The longer you wait the worse it will be for your child because of her symptoms, she needs help ASAP! Call them back and be insistant!
My Prayers also!
2007-05-15 04:42:38 · answer #7 · answered by julesrules 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋