Depression in teens?

[weegiemum]

My lovely, loving, generally gorgeous dd2 is 15 and has just seen Camhs. Looks like she's depressed, they've scheduled a meeting week after next with the psychiatrist.

She's so lovely, a real mummy's girl, but has hated school since she started P1 and has always wanted to be home with me.

Dh is a GP and is sure she's suffering from depression, which is why Camhs are seeing her so soon. I'm devastated that my wee girl is so unwell - I've been on antidepressants since before she was born, they said that taking them in pregnancy and breastfeeding wouldn't affect her but now I worry. Have I caused her illness?

I just want her to be well. Apart from engaging with services, is there anything else I can do?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I'm not medically trained but I can't see how you taking ADs has affected her.

Can I ask if you and DH are doing anything to address your depression? Maybe modelling things that improve mental health will help her turn hers around.

Could you do the C25K with her or join a yoga class together?

[Blessthekids]

Dear OP,

There are many reasons why anyone is depressed and I doubt that you taking anti-depressants during pregnancy is the cause of your daughter's. I would focus on doing your best to support her. Let's see what the psychiatrist says is the best way forward. What are her reasons for hating school? Its probably worth investigating this to see whether the school is the cause of her depression or depression the reason she hates school.

Good luck