Suicide: Is it Selfish?

Mental illness continues to be stigmatized and misunderstood. I can certainly understand why people would think suicide is selfish, as it has a huge and devastating impact on loved ones. Suicide is a symptom of severe clinical depression, not just a behavior or choice. Depression and other mental health diagnoses are real diseases, just like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc. But, it’s hard for other people to understand what it’s like to have depression if they haven’t experienced it themselves (and you can’t do a lab test to diagnose it).  Depression can have such severe effects on mood that it affects a person’s ability to think about the consequences of suicide because they view suicide as the only escape from their constant misery. It’s so important for these people to seek help, but the depression itself can prevent them from having any hope that things can ever get better. Children who have been traumatized, abused, or neglected are at an increased risk of depression and suicide. Also, veterans are at increased risk of suicide because of the traumatic experiences they are exposed to during wars.

I read an article after Robin William’s death that I found to be a very good read and pertinent to this post:

http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2014/aug/12/robin-williams-suicide-and-depression-are-not-selfish 

The suicide hotline is open 24 hours a day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used to treat both anxiety and depression because they are long acting and not habit-forming.

Always check with your child's doctor before stopping or starting any medicine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Zoloft

Prozac

Luvox

Celexa
Lexapro

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Effexor
Cymbalta
Pristiq

Atypical Antidepressants
Desyrel (Trazodone)
Remeron
Wellbutrin

Antidepressant Side Effects:

Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Constipation
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Weight changes
Suicidal thoughts
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Restlessness
Shaking hands
Sweating
Wellbutrin can increase chances of having a seizure even if the child had never had one
Side effects relating to digestion, such as constipation and upset stomach, normally subside within a few weeks

Help your child understand their feelings:
Ask questions like “How do you feel?”
Teach your child the meanings of feelings words (angry, sad, nervous, frustrated, etc.)

Let your child’s doctor know if:

Your child’s symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Your child has thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Reference:National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines.

Antipsychotic Medicines

Some children experience psychosis (being out of touch with reality) or severe mood symptoms. Antipsychotic medicines can be very helpful for children with either psychosis or severe mood symptoms. Always check with your child's doctor before stopping or starting any medicine.

Psychosis includes:
Being out of touch with reality
Possible hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not really there)
Possible delusions

Mood symptoms include:
Aggression
Depression
Anger
Social Withdrawal
Agitation

Antipsychotic Medicine, examples:

Risperdal

Seroquel

Zyprexa

Geodon

Abilify

Invega

Antipsychotic Medicine Side Effects

Sleepiness

Increased appetite

Weight gain

Dilated pupils

Dizziness

Sensitivity to sunlight- (Make sure your child wear’s sunscreen.)

Antipsychotic Medicine Movement Side Effects (Extrapyramidal Symptoms)

Involuntary movements of face, jaw, neck

Tremors

Motor restlessness

Muscular rigidity

Muscular weakness

Peculiar posture

Drooling

Movement Side Effects can be serious and irreversible if not treated immediately.  Call physician right away.

Tests for Medicine Safety

• Many psychiatric medicines require children to have their blood drawn.
• Antipsychotic medicines require routine blood work because they can increase the risk of high blood sugar and cholesterol.
• When there is a family history of serious heart problems and a child might start taking Geodon, the doctor may order an EKG (electrocardiogram).

Reference:National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines.

My Thoughts

Today, as I read through each of your comments, I feel both overwhelmed and grateful. I'm grateful for each of you for taking the time to share your stories and I appreciate you helping me on my blog journey. Psychotropic medicine can sometimes be a controversial topic, especially with children. All psychotropic medicines have the potential for sides effects and the potential to help children function and feel better. It's oftentimes a balancing act trying to figure out what medicine, if any, is best for a child.

In my upcoming posts, I will try to address the questions you have asked. I will post information about medicines used for Bipolar, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Depression, and Anxiety, as well as techniques for reducing the impact of medicine side effects. Also, I will post about Collaborative Problem Solving. Collaborative Problem Solving is a treatment program, philosophy, and method utilized where I work. Collaborative Problem Solving will address some of the concerns you have about parenting techniques and problem behaviors.

Talk to you soon!

The Importance of Therapy

With any behavioral health disorder or mental illness, there are medicines that could potentially be very helpful. In fact, there are medicines to treat symptoms associated with ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis. It is important to understand that while medicines can be very helpful, medicines are only part of an effective and comprehensive treatment plan. Oftentimes, it is recommended for children to receive treatment from both a psychiatrist (doctor who prescribes psychotropic medicines) and a therapist.

Some children can benefit from talk therapy, during which they might discuss their experiences and feelings with a licensed clinical therapist or social worker. The therapist might use a variety of techniques to help the child learn new ways to cope with their feelings, manage their behaviors or solve problems (KidsHealth, 2013). Coping skills can include simple activities, such as deep breathing, exercising, or squeezing a stress ball. Many children  benefit more from attending a play therapy session, during which the child might show their feelings during play. For example, feelings can be revealed by the toys the child chooses to play with or by what the child chooses to do with the toys. Other types of therapy include animal therapy, music therapy, and art therapy.

Reference: KidsHealth. (2013). Taking your child to a therapist. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/finding_therapist.html

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines. 

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Stimulant Medicines

Children with ADHD can have difficulty with focusing, hyperactivity, or impulsivity (National Institute of Mental Health, 2010). Your child might need ADHD medicine if your child’s symptoms interfere with their ability to function at home and at school. Always talk to your child's doctor before starting or stopping any medicine. Stimulant medicines are the most common treatment for ADHD.

Common Stimulant Medicines:

Ritalin

Daytrana

Concerta

Adderall

Dexedrine

 

Stimulant Side Effects (Most Common):

Decrease in appetite
Problems sleeping

Stimulant Side Effects (Less Common):
Racing pulse
Stomachache
Irritability
Crying
Depression
Agitation
Headaches
Tics (abnormal face movements)

What if my child is not eating enough because of their medicine?

 Stimulant medicines can make your child less hungry. If this happens, give your child a big healthy breakfast before they take their medicine in the morning.

Reference:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2010). Mental health medications. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/NIMH-Mental-Health-Medications_45027.pdf

Disclaimer: All content in this blog is informational only. It should not be used to make changes in the medical treatment of your child. Alway consult your child's physician before adding or changing any medicines.