Depression

My 16-year-old son has been diagnosed with depression. His personality was pure sunshine throughout his childhood but we have watched him slide deeper and deeper into depression over the past year or so. I know that he is experiencing same-sex attractions and that coming to terms with the fact that he is gay is the primary trigger for his depression, although he has not said anything about this.

His therapist has urged him to start taking an anti-depressant, but our son is thus far unwilling to commit. He appears to be somewhat attached to the dark and negative side of himself and is loathe to let it go. He also stated that he believes it is "God's plan" for him to feel this way.

While I am desperate for him to start the medication, I don't think I can over-sell the idea for fear he will dig in his heels and refuse completely. Right now he says he is "not 100% decided". Any helpful suggestions? Celexa is the AD that has been recommended.

Hi. I'm 16 too, although I haven't been diagnosed with depression because I haven't seen anyone for it yet, I have been through it and think it will never truely go away. But right now I feel better and I didn't take any medication at all. Though I have just recently found out that I am bisexual. I guess I've always known in the back of my mind but never admited it. I just want to say that he may not need medicine just maybe someone to talk to that understands and has been through it. Also, I'm not sure how close you are with him, but I know I wouldn't want my mother butting in and trying to make everything better. He needs to do that for himself. Or at least that's what I did and so far it has worked. But then again medicine might have helped me, but I'm a firm believer in doing things yourself. I'm really independant and I guess that's what helped me most because it allowed me to really get in touch with myself and identify the real problem so I could fix it. Relying on others or medication would have made me feel more worthless and weak, like I needed to rely on something to live. I don't know if your son feels the same. But my sugestion is to try not to be too involved and let him figure it out for himself, because I think that's the only way you can really be cured. Ever since I helped myself and realized that life is ment to be lived and not to worry, I have never really felt better. Now I admit that I'm bisexual and it doesn't really bother me, I accept it. I don't know if this is how your son feels, but I think once he learns how to accept who he is, the good and bad, then he will be better. I don't know if medicine will help or hurt, but I hope what I have said helps.

I am 17 and I have been diagnosed with depression for about 3 years now and I wont take med's because I'm affard of what mite happen because of hearing bad things about them that mite be why he wont so dont press the Idea because I am starting to open up to the idea of med's because of me getting worse so just wait but you mite also want to talk to another docter and see what he has to say about the issue.