Depressed teen

[SWK70]

My 15yr old daughter is suffering depression & anxiety. Hasn't really attended school for most of the year. We have been to GP, who referred us to CAMHS. School & CAMHS have been great. School is bending over backwards with suggestions to help get back in and CAMHS are offering CBT. The problem is my daughter isn't engaging with the counsellers or talking any help offered by any professional . I don't know what to do. Really would appreciate any suggestions

I don't know the answer but a big hug for you at this stressful time, keep up the good work supporting your daughter. Just a simple suggestion, have you tried the worry dolls available from Amazon, you tell them your worries and put them under your pillow. A step in the right direction for a child not wanting to share their worries. A diary might be a good way to share their worries too, by writing them down it might put them into perspective. Is the school putting too much pressure on her, does she need some extra help with her studies i.e. study aids or just extra help from Mum or Dad with her schoolwork (bytesize is a good website for GCSEs). If there is an activity that she enjoys try and draw her into doing one thing she enjoys each day i.e. painting her nails, blow drying her hair, a brisk walk around the block, etc.. Good luck.

This must be very hard to see your daughter so low.
If therapy isn't working may be anti depressants might help if she isn't taking them. She may then be able to engage in therapy.
There is a book called stop thinking start living. It's something like that. There are other books too. It will help her control her low thoughts. It's self help CBT and may help a little. X

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. She really has no interests or hobbies to distract herself. School isn't pushing her at all... They are being very good about things. Sending stuff home, but a lot needs explaining so not so helpful. We are waiting to see the Dr at CAMHS. Hopefully she will be able to help us.