Depressed 11yr old.

[Absolutmum]

My ds is 11 and has been struggling with feeling overwhelmingly sad for about 6 months.
It came to a head just before he returned to school in September. He cried constantly and became quite withdrawn. He went back to school with a massive amount of support from his form teacher and head of year. He is also being seen by the school counsellor after he cried on the school nurse.
We've seen the GP who diagnosed mild depression, but as he's seeing a counsellor at school, she didn't want to refer him to CAMHS, but if there's no improvement she will refer him.
He seems unable, or unwilling, to vocalise what's bothering him, if anything. School seems ok, he doesn't enjoy it, but no bullying etc. He doesn't have Facebook or anything similar so don't think there's any cyber bullying.
Just don't know what else to do, it's heart breaking to see him sobbing for no apparent reason. Is there anything else we should be doing?

Don know sorry Absolut but didn't want you to go unanswered.

Have you thought of posting in Chat? You might get a few more responses

Oh that sounds miserable. Lots of sympathy. it's really good you've got support for him from the school and the GP, and I really can't think of anything more you could be doing. Wishing you lots of strength to keep supporting him and being there for him.

Hi Absolutmum - I am in a similar position but maybe with a less good school set up. DS is 12 and has had some bullying - but that has been stopped. But I think he is depressed. It is a terrible thing to witness isn't it.

Shells, it is possibly the worst thing I've been through with him so far. I hope your ds gets the help he needs.
The counsellor is helping enormously, she is going to call me after half term to talk about his progress.
I think he is very slowly improving, the down days are less frequent.
I just want to hold him and never let him go.

I've just sorted some private counselling as there seems to be a huge waiting list through school. People keep saying to me 'its probably hormones'. Maybe it is, but it seems so extreme - and I think they're belittling it in a way.
Also my DS is pretty good with others and ok at school, but falls apart at home, so feels like my word against everyone elses.