Meds to take edge off Depression & Anxiety in a Teen

So very hard for you all. There is always such a conflict of emotions and hard to not feel guilt whatever way you go.

Would he do some kind of physical exercise after school for a reward? Even if it is not ideal, i.e. Mars Bar, Fish and Chips, Money? I know a lot of people do not go down this route as they think it is bribary and they should do it on their own etc. but a Psychologist once explained it to me as the same as when we work and decide is the pay fair for the work and effort we would have to put in. The reward has to be meaningful enough to go through the discomfort, pain even of what is being asked of them. We paid my son to go on the trampoline for a spell. It did cost me a small fortune but he was healthier and happier for that time at least. As time went on he would stay on longer, not being paid as he began to relax and enjoy it and it became easier as he got fitter. Unfortunately Autumn/Winter scuppered that though. Just a thought.

Totally agree with you on the Criminal Justice system. It is starting to get some attention through campaigning but it is such a sad reflection on our country that so many people in prison have a special need.  I understand about no-one stepping in to help too and feeling isolated. It is so hard to explain to people that will only see the violent person and think the actions are intentional.  So you stop talking about it to friends and peers and then the disconnection as they do not understand the pressures you are under and why you do not go to their place for a meal, invite them back, invite friends to visit never mind stay etc., etc. These networks and if there are any family support groups on fb that may organise events I have found a source to keep your own sanity. Places where people totally understand what you are going through, all of you, and you do not feel you need to justify why you are under pressure or that you are doing the right thing despite society's detached and simplistic view of the situation. Anyway, I am ranting now...ha,ha. You are certainly not alone. Thousands of us are all doing our very best and keep learning to try and do even better. We just need to find each other so we can offer us all support together and make the changes that need to happen to give everyone a better quality of life. The Criminal Justice System being a good place to start.

Is there a local mental health support group? Perhaps they would be a good contact to find people that are trained to help in crisis situations i.e. when you grandson is struggling and may become violent. They could be an additional support or person to call?? Mind and Mindroom are good for confidential advice too. I am not saying your grandson has a mental health illness, more they may know how to access people with the skill set you would need to be calm, supportive and resilient at a time of crisis.  Hope that makes sense.  Or can you get a carer for respite via SDS and select them yourselves and get them training if necessary?  We are sort of going this route ourselves as they need a specialist skill set and personal attributes for it to work which can also mean a higher pay rate is needed and as you need consistency.

I really hope things improve and it is good the Fluoxetine is helping a bit.  Sometimes I think when you are in a situation that is different to society's "norm" you need to throw all the cards up in the air and let them land in a way that works for your unique situation not what anyone else expects.  

I really admire you all and thanks for sharing your story with me. :)

So very hard for you all. There is always such a conflict of emotions and hard to not feel guilt whatever way you go.

Would he do some kind of physical exercise after school for a reward? Even if it is not ideal, i.e. Mars Bar, Fish and Chips, Money? I know a lot of people do not go down this route as they think it is bribary and they should do it on their own etc. but a Psychologist once explained it to me as the same as when we work and decide is the pay fair for the work and effort we would have to put in. The reward has to be meaningful enough to go through the discomfort, pain even of what is being asked of them. We paid my son to go on the trampoline for a spell. It did cost me a small fortune but he was healthier and happier for that time at least. As time went on he would stay on longer, not being paid as he began to relax and enjoy it and it became easier as he got fitter. Unfortunately Autumn/Winter scuppered that though. Just a thought.

Totally agree with you on the Criminal Justice system. It is starting to get some attention through campaigning but it is such a sad reflection on our country that so many people in prison have a special need.  I understand about no-one stepping in to help too and feeling isolated. It is so hard to explain to people that will only see the violent person and think the actions are intentional.  So you stop talking about it to friends and peers and then the disconnection as they do not understand the pressures you are under and why you do not go to their place for a meal, invite them back, invite friends to visit never mind stay etc., etc. These networks and if there are any family support groups on fb that may organise events I have found a source to keep your own sanity. Places where people totally understand what you are going through, all of you, and you do not feel you need to justify why you are under pressure or that you are doing the right thing despite society's detached and simplistic view of the situation. Anyway, I am ranting now...ha,ha. You are certainly not alone. Thousands of us are all doing our very best and keep learning to try and do even better. We just need to find each other so we can offer us all support together and make the changes that need to happen to give everyone a better quality of life. The Criminal Justice System being a good place to start.

Is there a local mental health support group? Perhaps they would be a good contact to find people that are trained to help in crisis situations i.e. when you grandson is struggling and may become violent. They could be an additional support or person to call?? Mind and Mindroom are good for confidential advice too. I am not saying your grandson has a mental health illness, more they may know how to access people with the skill set you would need to be calm, supportive and resilient at a time of crisis.  Hope that makes sense.  Or can you get a carer for respite via SDS and select them yourselves and get them training if necessary?  We are sort of going this route ourselves as they need a specialist skill set and personal attributes for it to work which can also mean a higher pay rate is needed and as you need consistency.

I really hope things improve and it is good the Fluoxetine is helping a bit.  Sometimes I think when you are in a situation that is different to society's "norm" you need to throw all the cards up in the air and let them land in a way that works for your unique situation not what anyone else expects.  

I really admire you all and thanks for sharing your story with me. :)