I m posting to get a bit of perspective here.
My lovely friend has always struggled with boundaries and parenting has always been a challenge. Her gorgeous son has been the victim of bullying and abuse and it has really affected him. Lots of agencies involved but no one doing much. After begging for him to get medication from the GP/CAMHS/hospital to help with his depression, low mood, anxiety, self harm and suicidal thoughts she was told that it wouldn't help him. And no one would prescribe. CAMHS said they would review the request again but did not get back to her. Not sure why as I work with many students taking meds and it has helped stabilise them and access learning.
Any how she takes meds herself and so my friend has started giving her son a low dose each day. I felt uneasy about this and told her as soon as she explained what she wanted to do. However she felt it was ok and went ahead. Five weeks later her son is now taking an increased dose and he certainly is brighter and more positive in his daily interactions. He told his therapist all about it and she has spoken to my friend. She understands why my friend has done it but cannot condone it. She has made a referral to Social Services and my friend has been told to expect a call.
I really feel for my friend but she does make some stupid arse decisions at times. Do u think she will get into shed loads of trouble for this or do you think they will see that she was only trying to help her son. I had told her that meds on a teen brain can have very different effects than on an adult brain etc but she was willing to take the chance to help her son who was in a desperate state.