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Thursday, September 18, 2008
How do you handle mental illness in kids/teens?
Do you medicate, seek therapy? Do you explain to others what’s going on?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve had several requests to talk about depression and mental illness in children and teens. I don’t have much experience with this so I’m just going to throw it open for discussion.
I’ve heard that some of the anti-depressants can cause bad side effects. How do you weigh those side effects with the benefits? When should kids/teens be in therapy? Do you go with them or do they talk alone? Do you trust the therapist alone with your child or teen? (It seems like they are awfully vulnerable.)
How do you handle what their friends and your friends know about your child’s mental health? Is it nobody’s business or does that make it seem like it’s something to be ashamed of?
How would a parent know if their child or teen was suffering from depression or mental illness? How early did you know and what tipped you off? What is normal teen angst versus a true depression?
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