Forum: Childhood Depression
Friday July 17, 2009
From our forum: "I am a divorced mom and I am concerned about my oldest child who is now 12.There are many issues she has had to face, from the leaving of my ex to her best friend moving, a new school, as well as rejection from my ex and his family. While she initially coped well, she has become withdrawn and very moody lately. She has many crying sessions and also has angry outbursts, both which are not like her at all.
I do not know if we are entering normal teen stuff or if this is serious. I strongly question depression. I wondered if any of you have gone through something similar, have suggestions, comments or any information to share. Thank you for your feed back."
Comments
All teenagers should be measured to make sure that they are not deficient in posterior pituitary. My son almost committed at age 14. He was bipolar and deficient in posterior pituitary. He’s 21 now and doing great. My book A Magic Bullet Cure for Depression and Manic Depression has the measurement system in it.
Speaking as someone who became depressed once she hit puberty, due to the many changes going on with my family, I would suggest speaking to your daughter about how she’s been feeling. When someone you love has depression it’s tricky to care for them, don’t pressure them, you have to give them their space. But at the same time stay aware of them and how they act.
If your daughter feels that she may be depressed or that it’s worth looking into, consult your family doctor.
I had depression for several years before I was treated, but I had some close. Though once I started treatment, counselling and medication, it only took a couple months to get me back.
I hope that your daughter is having some tough times rather than having depression. If that’s not the case, just remember Love and understanding is very important.
Speaking as a Certified Natural Health Practitioner, I don’t believe that depression is either a reaction to a situation or a chemical imbalance. The mind and body are not separate. An entire medical field testifies to the fact that when we smile, our brain chemistry changes, and when we cry, we shift physiologically. Distressing events require processing, not drugs.
The best solution to “reactive” depression is to permit grieving and to support the person in their coping through complete nutrition, adequate sleep, social support, counselling, fresh air, physical exercise and meaningful activity.
Chronic depression also responds to this protocol, and where no situational reason seems to be behind the depression, it is useful to investigate causes within the endocrine system and treat any problems found.
As a health professional, I see the despair, frustration and agony of many clients who were prescribed psychoactive drugs to cope with a reactive depression after the loss of a relationship, a job or other distressing circumstances. Many years later, these clients have still not been able to process the grief and sadness and now are faced with withdrawal symptoms that feel worse than the initial depression. It is heart breaking.
As a social worker, I lost two clients to suicide due to antidepressant medication, and one friend.
Traditional herbal medicine prescribed valerian (valium) and other psychoactives on an emergency basis to allow those faced with unbearable pain to sleep, rest and eat, and administered these for a maximum of two weeks.
If you can help your daughter through her sadness using time honoured ways of coping, she will grow up to be a more resourceful and happy person than if she is labeled with a “chemical imbalance”.
I advise you to seek a therapist or counsellor who does not prescribe drugs, and to seek the advice of a naturopath who can design a nutrition, exercise and supplement program to speed your daughter’s recovery.
Blessings, Tracey
I agree check out all the possible physical conditions, but don’t rule out possible child hood depression. I’m now in my late 60’s and I wish to god some one would have seen the symptoms and done something about it when I was a child. I have lived through so much pain, which with the right meds and therapy would have been totally avoidable. Find a good professional who will rule out all physical possibilites and who will help guide you and your daughter into RECOVERY.
Hi, teenagers need to express their feelings, being in a band, hanging out with friends, cheerleading,or being in sports, can help. If she needs someone to talk to, I’ll be here for her, my e-mail is edith@largeshopping.com. Tell your daughter that Scarlett, want to be her friend, and chat with her whenever she wants!!!
Tried registering for Depression Forum numerous times, but it kept telling me my name or password were wrong….how the heck do you get registered on that thing ?!