Helping my Nephew with Depression

[AuntieJen]

Depression runs in our family -- in a big way -- and we have a family history of suicide. We just came home from a trip to Africa, and our 15-year-old nephew accompanied us on the trip. It has been obvious to us since our nephew was very young that he has major struggles with depression, but on the trip he opened up about it and told us that he has attempted suicide on two occasions, one of them just a few months ago. He wants me to help him get on anti-depressants, but we both know that his father, my brother, will strenuously object. My brother has been paralyzed by depression his whole life, but is afraid of psychiatric drugs. My nephew wants to do it without the knowledge of his father.

Is my nephew old enough legally to get on anti-depressants without his parents' knowledge and consent?

Thanks so much for your help.

[AuntieJen]

Thanks for trying, Margypops. You and I have very different perspectives on the nature of mental illness. I have a lot of very personal experience with depression. I know how dangerous it is, and I know that you can't think your way out of it. Depression kills people and destroys lives. Anti-depressants correct imbalances in brain chemistry, allowing people to live rich, rewarding lives.

As a society, we must stop treating mental illness as a personal weakness that is the fault of the person who is suffering. We need to realize that all of our thoughts and feelings are ultimately the result of brain chemistry. Imbalances in brain chemistry can cause enormous pain. Thankfully, science has given us medications that can improve the lives of people who suffer.

I do appreciate that you cared enough to respond to my post. I have my answer to the question I posted and am moving forward accordingly.

[margypops]

No he cannot get any anti depressant Drugs without going to the Family Doctor and permission from his parents, you need to think of better ways to help him other than the Drug route,Some Therpay would help and also you could have a positive talk with him about what he thinks is causing his Anxiety as it may not be depression unless someone has diagnosed it?Perhaps there should be more attention given to helping him and getting him Motivated with Positive thinking not negativity, How about Sports and Games what doe he do How is he doing at school are there any problems there.As his Aunty you can tell him to get busy and not dwell on his thoughts of suicide.