Depression in 16 yo DS - where to turn? any advice?

[grownupbabes]

I believe my 16yo DS is suffering from depression. Morose, hardly sleeping, obsessive behaviours. His father (now ex-H) has a history of serious clinical depression (including having been sectioned twice - so I'm not speculating here) but has persuaded DS that doctors and therapists are evil etc and told absolutely that he musn't be "tricked" into seeking advice/medication. I am really really worried and think he might need help before he heads down the same track. Does anyone know where to turn on issues like this?

Sorry to hear this. As a secondary teacher, I think depression in teenagers (largely, and very sadly, mostly undiagnosed) is an increasing problem. If you see your GP he/she should be able to get your son a CAMs referral.

Also, if he's still at school, the school will almost certain;y have access to a counsellor.

But if he's been totally brainwashed by his father re: specialist support, I'm not sure, sorry.

Your son's father's attitude is really worrying tbh. (I am a mental health nurse btw) To have been sectioned you x would have had fairly serious depressive episodes and probably with other issues too (such as high risk of self/harm suicide or other mental health problems)

Yes I agree with janeite about accessing a CAMHS referral (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) In some areas if a 16 year old is no longer in ft education then they will come under the care of adult services. If your son won't attend the GP with you, then I would suggest (as a first step) you make a GP appt and ask the GP for further advice.

Unfortunately if there is a family history of mental health problems then your son is at higher risk.

Thanks for this. DS father is a serious concern to me - and yes, he has attempted suicide at least twice in the last 5 yrs. Until this yr I had a court order protecting my sons from him, but now DS is 16 that no longer applies and father is making strong attempts to exert his influence.
DS will not see dr despite my pleading, but he has seen school counsellor, which is a positive thing. I did not know about CAMHS, so I will follow up. Thanks

Re the school counsellor. Obviously he or she will not be able to disclose what your ds has said to him/her. However he or she may be able to receive information from you as it will be relevant to the counselling relationship with your ds.

This is such a difficult situation grownupbabes, you must have gone through some really tough times with your x. Hope you find a way forward.

My DD was diagnosed with depression at 17. It's an awful thing to witness as a parent - you can't just kiss it better and make it go away - and you have all my sympathy.

You need to persuade your son that there is a lot of help out there and that he needn't have to feel as he does. In my area at least, the mental health provision for Under 18s is fantastic - my DD went to the GP, who referred her to a Family Centre where she was seen by a therapist - had at least a year of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and is still on ADs, but a reduced dose now (2 years later). I wouldn't say we're completely out of the woods, but she has come so far since she started treatment - to the extent that she started University in September.

So there is hope - your problems with his father make it even harder for you. There might be a website or literature out there with positive success stories from teenagers who have coped with depression - that might encourage your son to get help.

Thanks for all your support everyone. The situation with the father has been a complete ongoing nightmare, and it has taken years and all my determination and strength to get out of the marriage and bring up my 2DS in a strong and positive way.

I am so upset now because 1. I can't bear to see DS like this and 2. I am desperate for him to accept treatment and 3. I feel like I will never get away from the past and 4. after all that, I feel like maybe I failed anyway. Gosh, now I'm feeling depressed!

Hassled - thanks for your post. I've heard good things about CBT in general, and will see if I can get somewhere with that.