dd2 is 14. She has been struggling for ages, but in a low key way. We think she has ASD, she found lockdown extremely hard, but seemed better since back in school.
I did look for help for her from GP a year ago, he said that she simply wasn't bad enough for a CAHMS referral. We have struggled to get a diagnosis too for lots of reasons I won't go into now.
It is really hard to unpick what is normal 14 year old stuff, what is depression and what is ASD.
Until now, I would have said that the depression was more within normal teenage range, and while not 100% happy, she was coping with school, friends etc.
But this weekend she has really opened up, and I think she needs help.
The thing is, she isn't suicidal, she isn't self harming and she is going to school. I think the GP is just going to dismiss us again, or if they accept her for CAHMS, there will be a long long waiting list.
She is asking for anti depressants. I am really reluctant for her, so young to go on these unless really needed, but I have no idea how I tell if it is really needed? I think she thinks they are a majic wand too.
For example, she had a boyfriend (who actually lived 300 miles away) he is the son of a friend of mine. She was besotted, proper first love type thing. They split up on Friday night, and so today she is in pieces. To add to the problem, her best friend has taken sides with boyfriend over whatever the issue was and so dd can't talk to her either.
On the one hand, this has precipitated our talks this weekend, and she has opened up about loads of stuff. On the other hand, a large chunk of how she is feeling right now is due to a break up, which is within normal bounds of being a teen.
What options for help are there? What should I push for? Where can I get support for her?
Thanks