Natural Treatments for Depression in Teenagers

[FayeW]

My 17 yr old son disclosed to me last night that he wants to see a professional as he believes he is suffering from depression. I fully support his request to see a psychologist, but I admit I am frightened about the possibility of side effects from antidepressants, should they decide that is an appropriate course of treatment.

I have been doing a little research this morning on natural treatments and have been reading about St John's Wort, Omega 3, B5, and 5-HTP supplements. Clearly I cannot just go to a natural food store and start pulling things off the shelves and giving them to him. I will be bringing him to our doctor on Monday, but in the meantime, can anyone share their experiences with natural supplements to treat depression, particularly in teenagers and young adults?

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I suffer from depression, PTSD, anxiety and have been hospitalized for suicidal ideation. I fought medication for side effects reasons, but during my hospitalization, they explained the chemical science behind it. i decided to try one and I am very pleased with the effects. I am on Celexa and a very low dose (20mg) of it. the only side effect I have had is fatigue so I take it at night.

Meanwhile, my DD15 and DS19 suffer from depression (heredity). Neither are on a prescription antidepressant. DD takes Melatonin 3mg to assist in sleeping (her root cause) and a 1/2 cup of milk. The lactaid and tryptophan in the milk help to raise the seratonin levels. When it gets really bad, she has some Stress Tabs that are vitamin K and chamomile. DS has changed his food habits and exercises, but sometimes he can't pass the feelings. He has a counselour and they may go down the Rx path, but right now, they are waiting.
A friend's daughter has been having problems for several years with no medication, but now it has gotten to a point that she will receive a Rx.

Back to your question~~I'd hold off on purchasing anything if he's going in on Monday. Try multivitamin, whole or 2% milk (hospital gave us chocolate to raise endorphans) and chamomile tea to help calm the nerves. Then on Monday, talk w doc about the natural versus the Rx. A good doc will be open to both ideas. I can not use St Johns or other bc of other health issues and not all naturals are created equally. Changing my environment has done wonders.

APPLAUD your son for asking for help. And thank you for listening to him.

 

[FayeW]

Thank you for your insight. I started him on a B complex vitamin since I had some in the house, and I picked up some Omega 3 at the pharmacy today. Most of us don't get enough Omega 3 or Vitamin B anyway so it's probably a good idea for all of us to take those anyway.

 

[mommasita]

Sorry to hear this Faye, but SO happy he did come to you..

I have no expertise on natural, but it seems the PP does, which is wonderful..

I do "think" they will do a panel of bloodwork, as it may be something he is missing..

Sending GIGANTIC hugs to you all

 

[codysmom1990]

I'm sorry to hear this. I'm glad your son wants to see someone for his depression. My son has battled this for over 6 years and will not go to one. He saw a counselor at College, but they wanted to send him to a doctor for medicine and he is very adament about NOT taking them. I do not know what else I can do, he is an adult now. We had had alot of sadness in our live, and he had to start at 9 years old being an adult. It started with my mother-in-law having a stroke and my mom passing away suddenly in the same month. My mother-in-law was bedridden for 3 years and had dementia, so changing diapers, constant crying and yelling was the norm for her. then my father-in-law had dementia with alztzeimers, it was and is a horrible disease to have. This was a man who traveled the world to work on hospital xray machines and computer stuff, who didnt even know how to do the simplest things at the end. Also cared for an Aunt who just couldnt eat anymore, she was 93. Then it was my sister for 5 years who passed away from multiple myloma, she was only 59. Now it is her husband, my brother- in - law, who is 80. He is his final days with altzeimers. My son had been there thru it all to help with each and everyone of these wonderful people. He is now back at college after being home for Christmas break and hes hurting and depressed of how quick his Uncle declined after he left. He won't go talk to anyone at school, how can I get him to. How can I get him to accept medicine if it would put him in a better place of mind?

 

[CuteBug]

look up SAMe pills maybe its what your looking for .