Is my son depressed?

[KD99]

Could do with some opinions please. My 15 year old health has really gone down hill the last few months, mainly headaches/migraines. He was treated at the dr for migraines but in the end we stopped all medication because we thought it made things worse. At this point he made it into school about half a day a week for weeks. Endless trips to dr. Headaches are better but he’s still only making into school about half the time. Wants to sleep 14 hrs a day, no appetite, stomach aches, poor concentration, no motivation. Admits he’s stressed about prelims early next year. Def no bullying in school and all blood tests come back negative. Depression? Do I ask to get him on antidepressants? Would they do it? Should they? There is depression in the family. At my wits end.

This must be so difficult for you. Have you asked him how he feels? Or has anyone asked him throughout this process? My colleague had the same issue with her son (was following bereavement though so there was a trigger to consider) and eventually she took him to the doctors and went in for the first few minutes but then left him alone with the doctor and they just had a good honest chat. He then got offered counselling which helped tremendously, did not need medication, just needed the issue recognising and help to deal with it. Maybe trying this might help? Its good that all physical causes have been ruled out though xx