[pinkstina]

This past year my son has been threatening to kill himself and in pretty scary ways, like "I'm going to kill myself and I know how" or threatening to run in front of cars. It's been an overwhelming experience for our family. I'm just trying to get the help that he needs to be functioning - but it seems there are so many options out there and I don't know where to start.<br><br>
We homeschool and are at the point right now that we have a hard time leaving the house, just because my son throws a huge fit every time we go any where. If I'm feeling brave enough to get us to the playground he'll wait in the car and read a book. He's always been on the anxious side, but it's been getting so much worse this year.<br><br>
We were referred to a psychiatrist that just diagnosed him with severe anxiety and mild depression. He wants to medicate him and also thinks that my son won't outgrow his issues. I'm really nervous about putting my 7 yo on medication for a problem that the psychiatrist thinks will be a life-long issue. I was wondering if others have had experience using natural remedies that have worked for their kids.<br><br>
Thanks in advance.

 

[happilyloved]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this too. Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you because we are in the middle of it too with my 7 year old daughter. She hasn't threatened to kill herself, that must be terrifying, but we have the same total anxiety about going anywhere or doing anything. We are currently exploring how giftedness may be affecting it, but currently the best results have come from craniosacral therapy. It is helping, but not enough, so we too are considering medication which I just can't even imagine for a 7 year old, yet, this life is not how a 7 year old should be living either.

 

[RiverTam]

The options that work in children are the same options that work in adults. Talk therapy works in kids. Daily (hard) exercise works in kids. In combination those things may be more effective than medication. (There's some research to support that they are more effective.) You could try a combination of those two things before medication.

 

[joyluc]

My DS is 13, he has been diagnosed with major depression and anxiety. He took an overdose last fall and that was when we finally got serious about medication. He willingly takes medications every day to try to help him feel better. I have struggled with this, I wish he didn't need them. But he needs medication for depression and anxiety like some kids need medication for diabetes or asthma. He also goes to several therapists who are using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help him reframe his thoughts. I don't know if he would be willing to listen to them if he didn't have medication.<br><br>
I am sorry momma it is so hard to hear your child talking about dying <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/grouphug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="grouphug">

 

[bean-e]

I know of a child psychiatrist who always suggests removing diary for a couple of weeks to see if there is any improvements. This seems to help in the majority of cases. She also suggests adding good quality vitamins. It might be worth a try...<br><br>
Good luck!