Teenage depression/ psychosis

[Mountainwoman37]

Hi there, my 15 year old DD is being treated for depression and psychosis over the past year. She is getting "better" but still not "recovered". It's been a tough long year and I know we're on the long road to recovery. I would really like to hear from other people who have experience of this and maybe learn how to cope better / help my DD. Thanks.

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

Hello,

I'm in my 20s but have experience of both depression and psychosis. I have schizo-affective disorder.

I'm still on the road to recovery but am happy to talk or PM if you want.

I know these things are just as hard for the family as the person going through it. You're doing a great job.

[acubabe]

My lovely 19yr old son has changed over the last 18months. He used to be a fun, loving, clever, young man . We think he might have had a bad experience with drugs about 2 years ago . Gradually he has retreated from society , is unable to hold down any jobs, commit to school work and now he cant complete a coherant . It is heart breaking and angry making at the same time. Living with him is very hard . No one can get through to him . I am at my wits end . Trying to get help trhough NHS is very hard, we have sourced help , but they will not have a dialogue with me . I know there are wonderful support centres out there who try to give good advice. Has any one been through this with thier child and come out the other end . What helped in recovery? Is there a achild out there who can give me advice on how not to behave ?

[smileyforest]

Pm me

[elephantoverthehill]

I think I found MN when my Ds1 suddenly fell into the abyss, like acubabe I am pretty sure it was drugs related. He was in year 12 at the time. I became a nervous wreck as each time I had a call from reception at work I knew it would probably be another suicide attempt. In one way were lucky as he was still a minor. DS got the right medication, retook y13 and has now successfully finshed the first year of his degree. He is happy to spend time with me and the family now. . He knows he will probably never be off his medication now but recognises the symptoms and will explain and act upon it. I don't want to tempt fate but the last 24 months has shown there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry that was an essay.

[acubabe]

Dear Elephantoverthehill
Your reply was very helpful . There are so many lost boys out there. My son is still very reclusive , remaining in those gloomy woods. WE are having to get some private help and medication as the NHS take sooooo long.
I worry about the medication but if it eases my sons head that would be a step forward for him . My son is 19yrs , he's lost about 12months of life . How many young lads are out there suffering, often from some dreadful drug induced event. Thanks again Lucy ps I don;t know what Ds1 and other Initals stand for sorry .

[elephantoverthehill]

Mountain sorry I didn't mean to start derailing your thread.. I think you are already supporting by being brave enough to be asking the questions. MH issues are still too taboo IMO. When I started trying to get answers by discussing the problem a lot of people in RL opened up to me. One of the useful things Cahms said to me was let DS1 continue to socialise with mates as much as possible, in some cases it was his mates and their parents who were the most supportive. (Real, long term type friends).

[acubabe]

You are not derailing. I am in a wilderness at the moment and any support is helpful . Alas my son has alienated himself and has no friends. It would be an idea for me to try and introduce some of his mates back to the house , but many have gone off to uni. Keep the channels open Cahms said to me. Very hard when my son hates his stepfather and won't eat with us and growls at me . Days roll into each other where he just sits and stairs at the wall or the ground. So a growl at me is a good thing. As long as he is alive and out of harms way . Your message gave me a glimmer of hope. Just waiting now for medical help.

[elephantoverthehill]

As I said I don't want to tempt fate but this summer DS1 really opened up about his illness to DS2 and DD. He explained what depression felt like and why it was difficult to function. I was driving and didn't want to interrupt, although I was worried about what he might say. I think it was the first time he had spoken about it fully and think it shows his acceptance of his illness. I understand more about him now but I would warn you when your DCs start showing recovery that is when you may start to crash and burn. It was a bit like listening to an R4 play with DCs and thinking 'H'mm is this really suitable?'

[acubabe]

Radio 4 , Crash and Burn play , yes I can imagine . Oh dear I feel I have crashed ,caved and burned multiple times. In what way did you experience your son's change ? It is heartening that your son has started to talk about his illness and acknowledge it. The process is going to be different for everyone as they return to a less painful life and become who they were before their crash . I hope your son remains connected with you all . Someone said to me yesterday 'Keep being mum'. Take care , Lucy

[elephantoverthehill]

Acubabe 'Keep being Mum' was the best piece of advice I was given too. I didn't want to read and not reply but I am still trying to work out my answer (in my head) to your question. The main thing is your son is safe with you.