Prozac for 18 yo DD sexually abused as a child

[SoozBB]

My elder daughter was abused when she was 7/8 and has gone through hell (week long court case last year, 3 months till sentencing with HIM living in same town) but thankfully that's over and done with now and he's serving a prison sentence.

However on the outside most of the time it seems like she's OK, with the exception of a few days here and there that's she awful to live with. I KNOW she's not OK and I have learned to read the signs now - not sleeping being the most obvious and anger issues at times. She's tried counselling 3 times but it's just not for her and she took herself off to the doctors last week. She's now been prescribed PROZAC. I think it's a good thing but was just wondering if anyone else had older teens that had been on it and had a marked change? Opinions please.....Thanks

Bumping this for you as there are no replies. Sorry can't help otherwise, but hope that someone wise comes along soon x

I'm taking Prozac at the moment.

I think the main point I'd make, albeit obvious, is that it is a little multi-coloured capsule of serotonin-enhancing chemicals. So whereas the Prozac may help to improve her mood or energy or concentration... it cannot take away anything of the horror or terror that she has been through. So really, she needs to find a way of coming to terms with what she has been through, and most people find that they can't do that without talking about it, either with a counsellor, friend, family member or someone else.

So sorry your dd has had to endure this :(.

I had Prozac as a late teen (and again now ) and have always had good experiences with it. Initially, I always felt worse but this is a common side effect I believe, so maybe warn her about that and be prepared. I always felt it worth continuing as once it's in the system, I've found it to be very effective.

As Breatmilk said, it won't change anything (unfortunately) but will hopefully give her the energy, clear head and strength to deal with her trauma rationally and effectively.

Good luck x

DD has now been on Prozac for a couple of weeks and seems brighter already. I'm sure she will begin talking when she's ready but it's just not yet! When she does talk I'm sure it won't be to me as she feels too embarrassed maybe and doesn't want ME to get upset anymore about it all either. It's a very hard situation but we are both finding our way through it. DD with the actual trauma of it all and me with the usual guilt/anger etc etc etc. Thanks for the support.

You are an amazing mother to be standing with your DD. Mine knew and never spoke of it. Never supported me through it and he was never convicted.

My abuse lasted for a period of 9 yrs.

I can promise you one thing only, that your DD will never forget that you stood by her through all of this. She will not blame you for not knowing at the time. As she grows to understand the nature of the beast she will learn that they are predators, and deception, manipulation and ability to instil fear in their victims are the tools of their trade.

Where there is a tragedy like this shared be between a mother and a daughter, a special kind of forgiveness, understanding and a bond is built that surpases all understanding it created. Crazy meds? Well if she can get some great, and if you need I would say go for it. No one understands the trauma of what you as a family are going through. Dont suffer - he wins if you do.

Thank you SO much Bonnywrites. We HAVE developed a really deep bond now. We were getting horribly wrenched apart before the abuse came to light. I was SO close to packing her bags and putting her out on the pavement. God if only I'd known then. Thankfully it didn't come to that and all of her awful behaviour became totally understandable and a massive fog lifted.

It HAS been a bloody horrible horrible thing to go through but OMG I will NOT let him win. I have had counselling and tried to face it head on. Being on the stand in court almost cabbaged my head totally but I just took my lead from my amazing daughter who had to endure 4 and a half hours questioning over 2 days. She only needed a break once when she said tears just came out of nowhere. I really don't know how she did it. I just about handled 40 minutes!

She has been MY rock as well. We have coped together. That's the only good thing to have come out of it all. We have become strong as one really. But it's something that will never go away. I will always have disgusting pictures flash through my mind at odd times and still feel like fronting him about him. My daughter will always have that shadow lurking in the background too I guess.

Can I ask how YOU have handled it and how has it affected you? Is there any sort of guidance I can further arm her with moving forward?

I need to say how very very sorry I am that your own mum didn't stand by you. You must have felt wretched. BIG BIG BIG BIG hug from both me and my daughter. Thank you for your kind words.