Sertraline aged 16

[SleepWhenAmDead]

I've just allowed my 16 yo to start sertraline. I was reluctant but desperate. I've just seen another thread about people having difficulty stopping.

I'm so worried that I've done the wrong thing and he will blame me five years from now when he's stuck on them.

Any advice please? Gently please, it's been a very difficult time leading up to this. Thank you

I have several young relatives who have taken it for a while (some for a few years). They all came off without major problems. So I wouldn't worry too much.

I have seen it transform young peoples lives, in many cases quite literally being life-saving. I have also seen it give them the tools to navigate a tricky period and later come off them.

For young males especially I think sorting out mental health struggles in the here and now must be the biggest priority as the alternative is so heartbreakingly awful.

i don’t think future him will blame you, even if he does struggle coming off them. I think he will thank you for giving him a future.

My 17 ds started antidepressants a few months ago (so far not much change and may have to try sertraline).

I resisted him taking them for a while but he's tried absolutely everything else and we had no other options. Don't ever blame yourself - you had no choice - the post before me says it all. Completely understand how you feel though.

My 17 year old has been taking them for over a year now. They are life changing.

Literally life changing.

I don't think my son would be hear now without them and now he is living a fulfilled life.

Thank you. It just feels so impossible to know how to help him. Hopefully this will be a good way forward. Thanks again.

If you have the time can I recommend watching a few videos by Georgie Ede?

Best of luck.