childhood depression???

[kawazuki]

ok so we are begining to think DS may be depressed..

this is tough fr us to even think about.
he just has an attitude towards everything which is "i dont know, i dont care"
he doesn't care when he looses something for bad behaviour, he can never tell you why he is in trouble even when you have explained it to him.

he is withdrawing frmo things, the only thing he si interested in in playing with hsi ball.

he has no ability to share anything, or even do his daily chores which eh knows to do.

he has 0 respect for us.

worst of all, he cant even give us a reason as to why he wants to stay ehre and live with us.
he doesn't know why or even care if he stays with us or goes back to his mums..

what should we do???

[MummaSue]

if you're worried, take him to your GP and get a referral for Child Youth Mental Health services. Symptoms of child/ youth depression are a wee bit different to adults, but you've described some there, so best just get him assessed. Then you can all move forward xxxx



S X

[littlelara]

Weird. I just responded, but it disappeard.
Has he always been like this, or is it a recent change? Does he have any close friendships? What do his teachers think?
Do you think maybe counselling would help?
It must be hard to watch, but at least acknowledging that there may be a problem is a good first step towards getting him some help.
Good luck

[~me~]

He sounds like he is going through something. Do you have and idea when he started to behave like this? I would be going to a GP or does the school have a counselling service?
I noticed you have DSS, does he still have contact with his Mother and is everything going if he visits? Perhaps you could ask her if he is beahving like this when he does visit.
Sorry to ask so many questions, he really doesn't sound like he is in a good place and needs some professionhal help.
I hope things improve soon, it really is heartbreaking to watch your kids when they are feeling so sad.

[kawazuki]

He sounds like he is going through something. Do you have and idea when he started to behave like this? I would be going to a GP or does the school have a counselling service?
I noticed you have DSS, does he still have contact with his Mother and is everything going if he visits? Perhaps you could ask her if he is beahving like this when he does visit.
Sorry to ask so many questions, he really doesn't sound like he is in a good place and needs some professionhal help.
I hope things improve soon, it really is heartbreaking to watch your kids when they are feeling so sad.

thanx heather.
yes he is my DSS, he doesn't see his mum.
he is going down at chrissy for 3 weeks. minimal contact maybe once every 3-4 months. not very good
proberbly started about 12 months ago. he has seen a counsellor previously but we weren't happy with her. there never seemed to eb any progress.

may ask the school a few questions next monday on my day off.
and get him in to see my GP.

even hubbies mum agrees he isn't behaving well and not interacting well unless its fully on his terms.

thank you everyone for your help

[~me~]

may ask the school a few questions next monday on my day off and get him in to see my GP.

when you talk to your GP ask them about getting him on a Medicare Care Plan. It's where he can refer you DSS to perhaps a psychologist and another professional he may think would help and it would be bulk billed through Medciare for 6 visits (I think?).
We have here in Vic a public group called Isis primary care that has a team of Phsychologists, Occ Therapists and numerous other programs that are free. They usually don't require a referral.
Good luck kawazuki.

[littlelara]

Um, I think you mean a mental health care plan?

[~me~]

Um, I think you mean a mental health care plan?

Yes, it's through Medicare

[*Sparklez*]

i agree take him to ur gp or maybe go see ur gp first and maybe discuss what could be happening..
i also suggest maybe taking him to counselling and maybe they could find out if they could have a chat too him and then let u know if there is anything major occuring..
**BIG HUGS** i know exactly what u mean by its hard to think about my DS1 was 3 yr old when he was confirmed clinically depressed... i was shattered and devastated that also sent me into depression.. and i know alot of ppl where shocked that at his age it was occuring at all.. and all due to his father n i seperating n how him n his brother where from into a life changing whirlwind..
he did the same withdrew from everything would just sit there and sob we would go to the park and he wouldnt play but lay on the blanket and go to sleep it was heartbreaking!!
i feel for u and very much for him...
if u ever need to talk hun pm me cause i know just how difficult it can be and get...
GL

[kawazuki]

thank you Z&A, im so sorry you have had to go through this..

yes will be getting him a GPMP and TCA so we can get into the correct care etc.
I work In GP settings so know the system very well. but not sure how to act or what steps, its just so confronting when its your own child, you just don't know which step to take and i get frazzled.