Teenager tried to overdose

Hi, @kaybird, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine you'd feel like you are on an island with your teen daughter's suffering with depression and anxiety, and her attempt to overdose. As a parent myself, my heart goes out to you.

I'd like to introduce you to some others who may be able to provide some support and insights at this time. Please meet @johnbishop @fattail @hlvslp72 @teresacharlton @ainsleigh @gingerw @anndomico @georgette12.

How is your daughter doing today, @kaybird? What therapy was prescribed for her, given her trying to overdose?

Hi @kaybird- I would suggest that you try to get genetic testing done asap to find an appropriate medication. My Grandson was on the wrong one until we did that and is now on a right one. Also he went for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and said he found it helpful. If you need to ask me about the gene testing do not hesitate.
Best Wishes
Ainsleigh

Hi @kaybird - I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and others, and let you know that you are not alone. Many years ago when our son was in his late teens he tried to commit suicide by driving his truck off the road at a high speed. Fortunately he was not successful and we were able to get help for him. We were able to find a great local support group with other parents facing similar situations with the mental health of their children and it was good to be able to share with each other. We found the group through the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Connection.

I found an article that may provide more information and resources for you here:

After An Attempt: When Your Child is released from the Hospital - SPTS
-- http://www.sptsusa.org/parents/after-an-attempt-when-your-child-is-released-from-the-hospital/

@kaybird Welcome to Mayo Connect. I speak for many in saying you will no doubt hear several possibles paths to take. Kudos to you for wanting to find and get help and information, and working with the method that is best for your situation. I am not a parent myself, so feel unqualified to step up and offer any suggestions.
Ginger

This is actually her second attempt and the doctors have pretty much told me this is how she is. They’ve said we can medicate her and out her in therapy, but because she’s getting worse and has tried it before, they’re not optimistic. Her mood swings from happy to despondent.

Thank you so much!! I can’t wait to read these and hopefully reach out. It truly means a lot!! Thank you!!

@kaybird - that would be so hard for me to take, as a mom, to accept that the doctors are not optimistic with with therapy or medications for my child who has tried to overdose twice.

Have you pursued getting a second opinion on her case?

Hi again @kaybird- I have been thinking about the fact that the doctors are not optimistic and this is how it is. Frankly I am appalled that they seem to have given up. I think that giving up is NOT the way to go. I would search out every possible way of dealing with her illness even ECT if that has not been tried. I would go through every post on depression and anxiety and mental health on Connect. I would also research these subjects at any other site I could find eg Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins etc. Research is how I found out about the genetic testing which was news to our family. If possible I would look for a doctor who will not give up on her.
With very best wishes
Ainsleigh

Thank you. How do I ask about genetic testing and what specifically should be tested?

Thank you. She’s seen 4 psychologists and 3 psychiatrists