I think my 13 yr old has depression, what more can i do.

[imjustahead]

She has a history of illness, emotional and physical problems.

We went to the gp last summer after she had totally broken down for two weeks. Not speaking, crying, feeling empty and pointless etc...

At that time, told to give it time.

In the first term of school (yr8) she had one week off because of severe anxiety, and feelings like i described above. Saw GP, who said, yes anxiety, and gave us a sick note for school.
Two weeks ago she said the feelings are coming back. I gave it time, but took her back to gp (for once our regular gp) who suggested exercise, and online site living life to the full.
I did ask about anti depressants, mentioned Prozac but was told they could in fact cause suicidal thoughts. (I mentioned Prozac specifically as I read that it is the one that is preferred in young adults/children). So she said the exact opposite to what I had read.

The feelings stem, mainly from a long history of problems with her father (ex dh), who has never stepped up, or who has for a time then disappeared out of her life.
I just want to know what more i can do.

There is history of depression in our family, I was a depressed child and am very adamant my dd will not be left to flounder as i was.
I have had antidepressants in early 20's and they helped me so much.
I don't want dd to go on them, but who knows, they could be a real help.

She has had periods for two years now, and generally she has good friends, is lively, fun and bright. It breaks my heart to see her like this.

GP said, to come back in a month.

What more could be done through the NHS? GP said that in any case she (gp) wouldn't be allowed to prescribe any meds.
I read about Cambhs on here, and it never gets a good press.
Would they have to be invloved before dd gets assessed for ad's? I mean how much longer can this go on.

thankyou x

So sorry . Given she has been out of school a few months, is it worth getting a few private sessions or seeing a ed psych and getting some paperwork(and a second opinion) so camhs push you higher. Can the school and LEA write to Camhs backing you up. My fear is that camhs is so stretched they dont have anyone but I agree its important to see a psychologist and the psychiatrist if medication is discussed. Be very clear how bad things are. If she doesnt get the professional support to learn different coping strategies, its harder for things to improve. At one point we complained to the Trust and moved to another Camhs unit in the same city. good luck.

hi there, sorry to have taken ages to reply to your post, i do really appreciate it.

She is now tier 3, has a new adviser. Apparently tier 2 has been dropped throughout Camhs, with schools having to sort them out. Disgraceful.

How would I go about seeing an Ed psych? and what would that 'do' thanks.

I can't have been more clear to Camhs, have spoken to head people, got my mp involved. Head person spoke to a psychologist there, who has passed dd to someone next level down, but not the level the first woman we saw. We have met this new person, who apparently reports to the psychologist, and he is very very personable, kind and knows his stuff re CBT.
Had we met him first it would have been different. Dd has ot go through the CBT, before they will consider meds, that's it. Unless of course she gets admitted, which is tier 4.

Hi imjust. I have read your thread and wanted to comment as we are going through something similar. My dd is 12 and has been home educated since Easter after school refusing since January. It's really hard isn't it? She too is a Tier 3 CAHMS referral and as yet she has not been seen. We used both a counsellor and psychotherapist back when all this began in October. Neither of those people were able to help sufficiently and we have begun to see a CBT practitioner recently, ( all privately). We are having an ASD assessment done next week, ( desperately hope she can/ will attend).

My dd has all sort of problems and caring for her is a real roller coaster. It's so hard to know where to look for help isn't it? My dd is also adept at masking her difficulties so professionals don't see what we see at home. Have you thought about looking at a branch of The Priory? That would give you access to a psychiatrist or psychologist straight away. Depending on the finding of the ASD assessment, I think that will be the next thing we do.

hello, i am so sorry your family is going through this too.

I am not sure about the Priory. Isn't that a private thing? I havent the money to spend on any private help.

I hope your dd gets to see Camhs soon, but i will warn you be adamant, be strong and be heard.

I am currently thinking of going back to gp about the anxiety and panic symptoms that have come on very strongly the last few weeks. I know of another mother whose dc has been prescribed a beta blocker to help with it. It might not be the right thing, the solution to anything, but it might help somewhat if the anxiety gets worse. x