Teen Trouble - Keller, TX

My Freshman is having a bad year too, but I took her in November to a psychiatrist because I thought she was depressed and he gave her Welbutrin which worked almost right away and helped her out of her "not caring" about anything slump. She's doing much better but now I'm taking her to a CBT cognitive behavior therapy instead of the "how does that make you feel?" therapy. It's only been a few weeks, so I can't tell you if it's better or not, but I have high hopes.

I'm not sure of the counselor you have him seeing, but I can tell you from personal experience that one is not like another. I went through 4 counselors as a youth and when I finally found a good one it made a world of difference.

Cognitive Therapy with a Christian Counselor would be my choice if my son was in therapy. : - ) I'll pray for you all!

L.,
My heart goes out to you. I have had 2 teens go through a rough period at that age. One we had on antidepresents and counseling. We were constantly involved with that child. We made sure there were teens around that up lifted her. We had her involved in church youth groups and sports. It was very hard. We checked out her friends and made sure she and her friends were not doing drugs and we stayed on top of her grades. I know being a single mother makes your job even harder. There are some really great cutting eage churches in your area that appeal to young people,and they have great youth programs. Maybe you can find support for yourself and some role models for your son at one of the churches in the area. We made it through that rough time, but if we hadn't been consistant and prayerful the outcome I believe would have been different. I wish I could give you the exact thing to do, but every kid is different and I wasn't a single mother. My heart really feels for you and the battle your going through. Stay in there don't give up. May God guide your every step.

Hello L.,

I don't have teens yet but here are my thoughts:
what if you sign him up for: boy scouts? church group? martial arts?

talk w/ your church pastor and pray a lot.
good luck!
C.

Hello L.,

Sorry to hear about your trouble. Teenage years can be rough! Single parenting compounds that I think....is dad involved? Is he going to the counselor alone or do you go with him? Some times a family session can reveal things not overtly seen. I am wondering if they have screened him for depression? How is your 18 yr old doing?

M.