dysthymia

my daughter is 15 and has been diagnosed with dysthymia, she has been on meds for 6 months but refuses to go back to therapy...she went for about 6 months...she says she's fine but i can tell she goes in and out of depression on a daily basis...what can i do to help her? she will not confide in me because she doesn't want me to worry about her, she has told this to my fiancé. who if it wasn't for him i would have never known....if anyone has any suggestions please let me know...i don't know if this is a teenager just keeping to herself or if i should be really worried? over the pass 2 1/2 years she has lost 3 ppl to death and she cannot get over it...i even took her to a medium to see if that would help her. she said it did but i think she is falling back into a depression again..she is very social though, she's a cheerleader, on track team, has plenty of friends.....am i worrying to much? but since school has let out for the summer she has been sleeping a lot and i know that is a sign of depression.. i have to work i cannot be with her 24/7 nor does she want me with her 24/7. she keeps telling me she's ok and that her medicine is doing good for her, but i don't think she would tell me if it wasn't .

Hello ......

   I heard someone a few days ago on a TV program state daughters are a lot more difficult to deal with than sons.

   I have two daughters. Both are adults - so, of course, both were 15 at one point in time.

   I think it's totally reasonable to say that a 15-year old has very little idea of what is best for her. She knows - she thinks! But, it just ain't so!

   You mentioned a therapist - and that could be anything from a pill prescribing 10-minute psychiatrist to a Social Worker - and lots in between. If it was a talk psychologist, I don't think you would have written this thread. They usually are very helpful - as long as the patient is willing to accept help.

   You mentioned a medium. I happen to be very interested in alternate concepts. I went to a legitimate professional once who was interesting ... but NOT for depression. That's like going to a chiropractor for a toothache!

   Many who are depressed - end up trying different types of meds prescribed by doctors - before finding one that works. It's not an exact science.

   And grief counseling is an excellent idea for anyone who has had a loss. With a 15-year old, I believe it can be even more traumatic than with an adult. Latitude for a 15-year old is good .... but you are the boss! And the decisions you make for her are for her best interests. That's what we do as parents!

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo