To give my ds St. John's Wort

[Uptownfuckuup]

Just that really
He is 9 suffering from what I think is depression.

I think you need to go down the formal diagnosis route and at least speak to a gp before doing this.

Is it herbal?

Maybe a trip to the go would be a good idea op.

Strong herbal drug. Just because it is sold over the counter doesn't mean you chuck it if down at random.

If he is sick, take him to a doctor.

Yes without proper medical assessment ywbu

We've been seen by the doctor who has referred him to the relevant people
Seen a psychologist who has diagnosed low self esteem and anxiety so far
And we are waiting to hear back with another appointment which could take up to a year

YABU. St John's Wort is potent stuff.

I'm sorry that your DS is unwell but he needs proper medical help. You wouldn't try to set his bones yourself if you suspected a fracture.

Sorry for this, but drugs don't work the same on everyone . ask the gp what he or she thinks.

Not sure if you can give SJW to children?
Much better to take him to see the GP.

See the GP first.

St Johns Wort has side effects. The only ones I can think of off the top of my head is increased sun sensitivity, and some strange interaction with the pill (which would not apply to your son). But there might be more.

Don't do it. I can understand why you're tempted but this should be managed by professionals.

St John's Wort can also cause internal bleeding. It is contraindicated for people who require surgery. You will only find adult doses. If you're inclined to use more natural remedies, perhaps try some homeopathic Rescue Remedy. (Personally I think it's BS or a placebo at best, but others swear by it - and at least it won't hurt him.)

I second the Bach remedies. St Johns Wort is very strong. We've been using the Bach remedies for years and they seem to have a good effect.

In the meantime there are also more holistic approaches that you could try; there are lots of foods which can help to boost serotonin levels, and making sure that he stays very physically active over the summer and gets plenty of safe exposure to sunlight.

No decent doctor would medicate a nine-year-old unless it was absolutely necessary.

Absolutely not. Try and get to the root of what his problems are. Be supportive and loving. Work on self esteem issues. but don't piss around with medicating him.

I think you have to go to the GP. I have been taking SJW. I am pretty sure it "works", but am going to stop taking it as it has made me massively itchy, coming up in hives etc. Therefore would echo what others are saying re its potency and wouldn't give it to a child unless under knowledgeable medical supervision.

It says on the box that it's unsuitable for children. So I wouldn't.

I took my DS to a homeopath in a similar situation, the talking and the tablets prescribed helped a lot.

Yabu

I had worse side effects from SJW than from prescribed ADs (tic related) I wouldn't risk it with a child.

YABU, it says it isn't suitable for children and can have side effects. Herbal does not mean "give out like sweets". I'm sorry your child is unwell but any medication needs to be managed by the professionals.

While you wait, you could try doing some mindfulness with him which can help with both anxiety and depression. And do keep pushing at the GP to get him medical help.

'Night time' teas might help your ds, which generally have gentle herbs such as valerian, passion flower, camomile and lime in them. These are fine for a child your sons age, made with a teaspoon of honey if needed.

Counselling may help him too and daily meditation.

If it was a homeopath, the tablets were just sugar pills. The placebo and talking were what worked.

That's good - but homeopathy is still fraud.

Just in case it's of help, a friend called Young Minds for advice on her ds and a child psychologist called her back and spoke for an hour offering some great advice and signposts. Maybe that's something to consider.

I'm sorry your ds is unwell, it must be a great worry. Don't use SJW without medical advice though.

YABU my DH has depression and tried it. He became aggressive and felt his depression had considerably worsened.

Valerian and chamomile however did help.