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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are going through this now with my 9th grader.  I also think the 1 mental health day a month is good, if it works.  Mine gets in moods and won’t care about anything or any consequences.  Taking away things and punishment hasn’t been effective.  We have been in regular contact with his school guidance counselor and found a therapist he actually likes, who he sometimes will talk to or see on the bad days.

He’s not doing all of his work but has been doing enough to pass.  His teachers have been flexible and given him so many deadlines and retake chances that he doesn’t take.   They have all been supportive and at this point, we are hoping he turns in enough to earn credit in at least the content classes.  His therapist has really been helpful for us to also manage our expectations and take things day by day.  [/quote]

My DS was like this too. The only thing that helped us turn the corner was meds for anxiety and depression.[/quote]

You are quoting me.  Was your son willing to take them on his own?   This is part of our problem.  It took a long time to even get him to participate in therapy and then longer to find someone he liked.  He refuses ADHD meds and won’t consider meds for anything else.  At this age, medication and any programs need to be voluntary so it’s really hard.

My kid is already saying he is not going tomorrow.  So OP, even though it is hard there are many of us out there going through similar.  [/quote]

My DS was 15 when he started meds. We got some pushback but said from the beginning that having a phone and access to video games depended on compliance with the treatment plan. We didn’t remove any privileges for not attending school at that point (we did later), just for taking meds and going to therapy. If he refused either, the electronics were gone until the next day. It sounds harsh, but there was no way that his brain was going to make a decision in his best interest at that point. He also had to attend therapy, but it was one of those, lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink situations. I’m not sure how much he really participated in therapy, but the meds did ultimately get us out of the deep pit. I also switched psychiatrists during this time. Our first one seemed almost adversarial with him. The new one was kind and compassionate. I think DS trusted his expertise much more, so that helped as well.

It is very rough. I feel for you. I can report that my DS is a functioning young adult now. Still takes meds, but manages quite well.[/quote]

Thank you.  I’m not OP but this thread has given me support too.  Yesterday was another refusal day for us.  Mondays are the worst.  We finally found a therapist he connects with so that is one small positive thing.  But it was a really bad day with the anger, depression and refusing to do anything.  As I said when I first posted, one day at a time.   Hopefully today is better.   [/quote]

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