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Old Aug 13, 2013, 09:18 AM
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adam_k adam_k is offline
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Member Since: Jan 2013
Location: Indianapolis, IN
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Quote:
Originally Posted by worried_momm View Post
Thanks for replying.

Her behavior changed over time; it was not sudden. I can understand that medicine isn't always the be all-end all, especially when it comes to mental health. I'mt out of options it seems. I can't force her back into therapy, it has to be a decision she makes. Unfortunately, I don't see her making that decision any time soon.

Thanks again for your response.

I think forcing her will likely make her resist more and drive a wedge between you two. That being said you can encourage her. Tell her that you feel it is best for her to get help. Try to find out why she doesn't like therapy. Maybe there is a problem you can help her deal with to make her going easier.

Depression can be difficult for her, but it also places a strain on people that care for the depressed person. Often leading to feeling helpess and unable to care for the person. In the end it is her problem and she has to be the one to want to raise herself back up and deal with it. You can't cure her depression, it has to be her decision. You aren't helpless though. Being there means a lot to her even if she doesn't acknoledge it or tries to push you away. Depression often leads to withdrawing from family and friends. Sometimes intentionally saying hurtful things or avoiding the people.

Try to let her know you care about her and you don't think any less of her for struggling. Providing reassurance and validation for what she is feeling may help her open up and share what is going on. Knowing she has people that care and want to help may help her to not attempt suicide again.

Having been there myself, I remember isolating myself. Then feeling worse and worse. Then I convinced myself no one cares and i would be better off not existing. Feeling down for a long time leed me to a breaking point and I just didn't want to go on. I was a bit delusional. Not that I heard voices or anything, but my thinking and judgement were affected. More so than I realised at the time. I was filled with such negativity, hopelessness and despair. I did a lot of thinking to convince myself things were worse off than they were. I felt stuck, trapt and unable to get any better. That lead to my attempt.

I think if I had the skills to talk and had people around me to talk to without feeling horrible about myself I wouldn't have attempted. I was very withdrawn and no one seemed to care. Unfortunately even for me, no one seemed to care after I tried. It sounds like that isn't the case with your daughter.

Tell her how you feel about her and let her know you care about her, even if she doesn't right now. Let her know you can be there for her and want to help her get better.

Goodluck. I know this must be just as hard for you as it is her. Try not to think of you being helpess. It may feel that way, but being there and letting her know you care will make a difference. It may not seem like it at times, but in time she may learn to be able to talk to you or may get back into therapy and better cope with things. Keep your spirits up and try to stay strong.
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Thanks for this!
online user, worried_momm