Teen with mental health problems and I don't know what to :(

[wangle99]

DD is 16 (17 next month), currently at college studying the IB and doing well (although it is ALOT of work). She has suffered from anxiety/panic attacks for a while and she has seen her GP and he prescribed something to calm her (cannot remembered name of drug at moment but she takes it if she feels anxious).

Yesterday she said at 2.45pm (at college) she started feeling anxious and panicky and she didn't know why, came home and seemed ok, however she spent most of the evening nearly in tears or in tears. She said she didn't know why. We have a very close relationship and can discuss anything I think if she did have an issue with something she would have told me (and believe me when I say we discuss everything I literally mean that!). I feel scared for her (she has never mentioned harming suicide but it is there in my mind).

Also at home is husband and DS age 10. Husband not that great and am wondering if that is something to do with it.

I'm really scared, does anyone have any advice? Thank you

Encourage her to go see the GP.

Sorry OP I have no further advice but maybe someone will come along soon.

is it exam time ? I wonder what GP prescribes her. I think usually medication shoudl be alongside talking therapies for teens. He must not feel concerned enough to refer her to CAMHS, but if you feel her mood is dropping and concern is escalating refer back asap and push for referral . I know CAMHS is oversubscribed but if this is more than exam worries, I think you and your DD may feel better with a psychiatric assessment to allay fears. You can do this privately to hurry along Camhs referral. Depressed teens often don't know why they feel so bad, and talking therapy helps them work it out - so she maybe can't tell you why she feels low right now . Check with school and if she coping at school with friends, , sleeping ok, eating and feels ok about exams, maybe she could get through the next few weeks and then take some time to work out why she feels low as it may take a while to get to the bottom of things but assure her that you are there, her health is more important than anything (especially exams) and you will help her find the support she needs to feel better. If she does have suicidal thoughts or other signs of severe depression you should seek help now. (Youngs Minds website might be helpful).

Do you feel you can ask her about intrusive thoughts calmly ? you might suggest she puts thoughts into a diary, my DD found this helpful and also encourage relaxation, and distractions like baking together. These exam periods are extremely tough but you are doing your best by keeping a close eye on her if it is something more. Its best for her for you to be calm and consistent around her(I know its hard !). good luck to both of you.

My 15 year old daughter has had 4 camhs sessions and I am at the end of my tether with her. She refuses to talk to me as apparently I don't understand and she shuts herself away in her room and talks about suicide but she still leaves the house and goes school every day. She refuses to leave the house any other time. Do I phone camhs today or the go or do I keep her off school so I know she is safe. Please, I need help :-(

sharon1411. talking to parents is really hard for them in this situation. you should always tell camhs if you think she is not safe, and also try to establish some communication around risk with your DD. its very hard. www.youngminds.org.uk/for_parents/worried_about_your_child/suicidal_feelings
have some advice about talking to her about levels of feelings .and risk. The fact she is going to school seems positive as she has not withdrawn completely. As awful as it is, best to try to speak in a calm/consistent way and be quite practical . Its likely although she cant speak to you, seeing you suffering will probably be hard for her as I found out from my DD months later. She rejected me completely when she was suicidal but inside she was very very frightened. It probably likely that your DD doesnt understand either why she feels so bad. Young minds also have a telephone call back service, where you might be able to talk to a professional about how to talk to her when she she is suicidal. hope she gets the professional help she needs.