Constant reassurance

[TeenPlusTwenties]

My hand touched the radiator and then my hair
My bare back touched the chair
Can you push up my glasses
Can I have a hug
I've got a spot on my hand
My foot is hurting

I need to answer 'it's fine' or 'you're safe' or 'don't worry'

For months.

I'm exhausted.

She's 16.

Had similar with DH before he went on antidepressants for anxiety.
It’s exhausting 💐

She's been on anti-depressants now for 1 month - 3 weeks at full dose.
Do I just need to keep faith and give it a bit more time?

It's exhausting isn't it? Easier said than done, but make sure to look after yourself. You can't help DD if you burnout.

3 weeks is still early days, I would persevere a while longer. If still no improvement DD could try a different AD.

Is DD having some form of therapy too? NICE guidelines state for children and young people antidepressants should never be used on their own, but should always be alongside therapy.

Which antidepressant is she on? Is it an ssri for anxiety? Venlafaxine literally saved my life once I got up to 150mg.

She's on Fluoexetine 20mg. It's definitely helping the depression side, the reassurance needed for the anxiety just gets wearing sometimes. She is having 'equine assisted therapy' which is helping. CBT & EMDR have both been suggested but we aren't really sure...

There are other medications if fluoxetine doesn't help enough, although Venlafaxine is unlikely to be prescribed to an under 18 until several others have been tried. Or if necessary fluoxetine can be given in a higher dose.

Can I ask why you aren't sure about CBT & EMDR?

My DS1 is younger and has had a few courses of trauma focused CBT, but struggles to engage due to his immaturity and MH. EMDR has been discussed and discounted because he wouldn't be able to engage properly. I wish he could because I have heard brilliant things from others.

10broken We aren't sure due to DD's lack of maturity. She has always been 'young' for her age. |She hasn't wanted to 'practice' things the counsellor has suggested. It is so difficult knowing what to do for the best.
We have a follow up mid Jan with the consultant so we will see where we are then.

That's the problem we have, too immature to engage properly and poor insight. Persevering with therapies and finding the right medication (Mirtazapine and Risperidone - which is also used for PTSD) have improved DS1's ability to engage somewhat. Hopefully DD will be similar.

Does DD enjoy art or music? We found DS1 engages reasonably with Lego therapy as it is his obsession and gave the therapist a way in to start building a relationship.

The equine assisted therapy is good because of DD's love of animals.
I wish we could find something nearer though (it's quite a long drive so it makes the whole day and the day after a write off).