teenage daughter with depression

[renatety]

I have a 14 yr old daughter who is quite depressed she has got counselling through school but I think she may benefit from antidepressants.  I have suffered with depression myself and got better with help of anti depressants.  I just wondered if there is anybody that has gone through similar problems with their teen and how they handled this situation as we are very desperate for her to feel happy again
thanks
renate

[Bell1126]

I've been through this on the other end. My parents put me on antidepressants when I was 16 ( yes and a hormonal female teen) I've been struggling to get off them ever since I'm now 22 years old and want to have children within the next couple years but I don't want to risk all the possible birth defects from all the meds I have been on from countless psychiatrists who just look at u and write a script to get the kick back or paycheck and send u out the door.
I do realize my view is pretty negative but I've been through a lot and I wish my parents never would have done it. I believe there are different ways to deal with things and pills are just a cover up for what the real issue is.
I hope this helps u in some way or another  
:)

[nursegirl6572]

I would leave medications as an absolute LAST resort.  VERY often, antidepressants do the opposite for young people and teens.  Medicating young people is very tricky business.

I would strongly recommend getting her professional therapy first, and give it time.  If you ever do consider medications, please make sure the doc prescribing them is a child/adolescent psych.  That's imperative.

You definitely cannot compare your experience with ADs with what hers would be.  There's a strong possibility they may even make her feel worse.  Just proceed with caution and do your homework.  Explore other non-medication options first.

Good luck to your daughter!