@maystarmom I think we all live in fear of SSRI poop-out, even if the meds are only marginally effective (something is better than nothing, right?), especially when you think about a young adult needing something that’s going to work for years and years. It’s why I’m a fan of the local college in some of these situations as there’s nothing like eyes on the kid on a regular basis.
Thanks for all the opinions. We visited D2’s top choice school which has fantastic disability support–but is 2 hours away. There is nothing close to where we live that is a good fit. D2 will deposit–and needs to decide by 6/1 about deferring admission for a year. I have told her that if she continues the rest of the term as it has been going, she will need to defer–and she agrees. I am hoping that seeing this school may encourage her to turn things around. Meanwhile, ramping up on SSRI dose, getting therapy. This kid has had generalized anxiety disorder forever, and when the rest of life is ok can usually manage. When reserves are low because of other stressors it’s another story. In this case it’s a combination of hating winters, grief (2nd anniversary of her dad’s death is early April), and the stresses of college applications and spring senior year.
It’s not like we’re going to cure the GAD–but do hope that ramping up meds and continued therapy will improve D2’s ability to cope with anxiety. If she does improve for the end of the term, I’m thinking of trying to get her into intensive outpatient therapy (CBT +/- DBT) over the summer. If she doesn’t improve, same!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Big hug to you.
I just want to mention that after receiving a devastating medical diagnosis, my doctor prescribed an antidepressant. I didn’t feel right, so a different one was prescribed, a lower dose, then another, one of the SNRIs. I finally realized I was suffering from anxiety, not depression and requested something for anxiety only. No more SSRIs or SNRIs which ramped up the anxiety. Once I finally got the right anti-anxiety meds, it was much easier to cope. So please know that some antidepressants cause anxiety.
Best wishes to your daughter and you as you figure this out.
So my hopes that a visit to D2’s chosen college would help allay anxiety didn’t pan out… Anxiety kept getting worse and she has been on medical leave since last Friday. Today is her first day of partial hospitalization at a local psychiatric facility. It does include academic support. Not clear yet whether she’ll be able to do enough to graduate, not clear what her current GPA is (team is meeting today), not clear what will happen with AP and IB exams, etc… College counselor is reaching out to the college about not rescinding acceptance.
I’m just trying to take this one day at a time…
@2eMomof2, I am so sorry that it didn’t work out as you hoped. 
It is so very hard when you get your hopes up…
I have not heard of partial hospitalization. Does that mean it’s an outpatient sort of plan? How does she feel about it? I hope that she finds the support she needs there. ((hugs))
So sorry to hear about this setback, and the tough time you’re all going through. Taking it one day at a time is smart; so is focusing on the help your daughter needs - and making it happen. It sounds like she’s in good hands. Please don’t worry about school too much. That will sort itself out, both high school and college. Meantime, just assure your child she’s loved, cherished – and not judged. (The last thing she needs is feeling like she’s a disappointment or failure.)
Oh dear, oh no…I am sorry this has taken an unexpected turn for you – day by day is the only way to go. It can be surprising what good things can happen when you can approach chronic issues that way. Not at all to say this isn’t serious or upsetting. Your daughter is lucky to have you, and your depth of understanding.
@2eMomof2 - I’m so sorry your D has taken a turn for the worse. End of senior year is such an anxiety provoking time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your D. I hope she improves soon.
I’m so sorry. I can relate 100%. I have learned to take one day at a time. I also make sure I take care of ME - exercising and getting enough sleep. And I got a short-term prescription for an anxiety med. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself!
Joining in for good thought to your family at this trying time.
Sending good thoughts for your daughter and for you.
I am so sorry. As the mom of a DD with clinical anxiety, all I can offer is don’t worry about the academic part. Let the doctors resolve the medical part, let your daughter adjust, and the right path will open up on the academics. You’re doing all the right things.
Thanks you all for your kind comments and support! @shoboemom partial hospitalization is used when a patient needs intensive therapy but is not suicidal or posing danger to self or others and there is a stable safe home environment. They are in a therapeutic setting from 8:30-3 every weekday, otherwise they are at home.
D2 had her first day yesterday. When I saw her last night she was the calmest I’ve seen her in weeks. She said that shows why she needed to be in the program! She also managed to get some schoolwork done yesterday, first time in about a week.
Her teaching team is meeting today at school and hopefully we’ll get some answers on what she needs to do to graduate, where current grades are and how to handle the rest of the school year.
I will keep all of you posted!
And yes, self-care for mom is a must. I’m trying…
All the best to you and your daughter. Sent you a pm.
That’s wonderful news for her! Sounds like a solid program and great decision to be in it. When she graduates, however that unfolds, what a great accomplishment that will be. We’ll hope that teaching team meeting has positive news and gives you both a sense of direction for all this. Hang on mom!
“D2 had her first day yesterday. When I saw her last night she was the calmest I’ve seen her in weeks. She said that shows why she needed to be in the program! She also managed to get some schoolwork done yesterday, first time in about a week.”
This is VERY good news. It means your daughter is aware of the extent of her issues and knows what she needs to do to live with them. And that’s HUGE. It can take years for some kids to reach this level of self-awareness and coping skills. Sending positive vibes.
I am so glad she had a good experience on her first day with the new program! Just feeling comfortable with it will go a long way!
Hugs to you. Glad to hear the first day was a success.
So D2 is settling into the program. I met yesterday with the therapist and academic support person and also discussed what work needs to happen for graduation with the dean. I am cautiously hopeful that D2 will graduate with her class, perhaps with makeup work in a couple of subjects to complete after that. She’ll be out of school until senior week, tentatively returning for the last week with some trips home for therapy. Will not be able to perform in the spring play It’s tough when most parents know their kid is solidly in the home stretch…but could have been much, much worse.