I hope it's OK if I post here.

[gbate]

I posted something about my teenage son on the Lounge and the thread got locked.

Recent events have led me to believe that my son might be suffering from some kind of mental illness. I am quite familiar with the symptoms in myself, as I have had panic disorder, GAD and depression issues for years.

My son had diagnosed severe ADD and takes Focalin XR, which has been a godsend. Last year he was close to repeating the 9th grade, but this year he has gotten straight As or Honor Roll every quarter.

We had taken him to a non-profit center for children and family counseling last year when he was 13 and 14. Unfortunately, our counselor moved on, so we left. Our soon seemed to be getting better, but he said this to me a few months ago, "remember that depression questionnaire I took? Well, I lied on it."

I was floored and very upset, since he does definitely show signs of depression, but with teens, it is so difficult to distinguish between normal moodiness and a more serious problem.

He most definitely has a sleep disorder. He has lost a significant amount of weight and he has begun lying to us about things. He says the only thing that really makes him happy is spending time at the ice rink on Fridays.

I don't think he is suicidal, but of course, that is in the back of my mind.

My mental health issues really didn't start until I was in my 20's, so I don't have a lot to compare between my symptoms and his.

Of course, we are looking into therapy for him, but I want to know what I can do in the meantime.

[mopinko]

1. has he seen his regular doc?

not that they are all helpful, but maybe you have a good one. it can be such a slow process to find a good therapist. well, any therapist at all sometimes. hard to ask a kid to be patient. they are all about today.

does he know about your history? maybe it is not as scary if he sees that you cope with it. i could see that going either way, tho.

really, i do not have any idea what to say or do, except to keep him talking. if he seems to be in danger, take him to the e.r. remember this- the magic words are- he is a danger to himself or others. if you can honestly say that, they have to help him. figure out which hospital in your area has the best psyche dept. is there a good university hospital where you are? if you go in through the er, they will hook you up with resources a lot quicker.

and here is a good website-http://www.bipolarchild.com/
very good book, and some great research.

and :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
to you and to him.

[no name no slogan]

2. Get him to a doctor, post-haste, for a full medical examination

You'll want to do that to rule out any medical causes for his situation-- thyroid issues, sleep apnea, or a possible allergic reaction could mimic a mental illness.

After a physical cause has been ruled out, get him to a psychiatrist to see if medication may help his situation. You will also want him to see a counselor while under a psychiatrist's care, as meds + therapy is the most effective way to treat depression.

Either way, you need to see a medical doctor before you do anything else. Good luck :hug:

[Tobin S.]

3. I think that is a good course of action, too.

:thumbsup: