To give another view, I am 25 AND a mom...

I have had symptoms and self harm during my teen years. I would agree with a previous post, my life would have been SO much easier if I had the meds.

But when I consider the situation you are in, I also would be hesitant to put any of these brain altering drugs in to their bodies.

My children are much younger than yours, but I already do mindfulness and coping skills I learn in my DBT group, as does their schools I put them in. So they are working on this as toddlers as opposed to teenagers. I would suggest therapy and coping skills before medicine in your case. If thats already been exhausted I would then recommend letting them each speak with their doctors for pros and cons list alone. Then come to you with their choice as to why yes or no, and you can take it from there with your opinions as there mom as to what you believe is best.

But, with mental illness, sometimes the person choosing isn't in the best mind to do so, so we need a family member to help.

You know them the best, you understand their moods and life to life, if meds help from debilitating symptoms then it has to be considered.

Best of luck!