<p>Is at this age really seems prevalent for some reason? My daughter came home this past weekend and went to visit some of her HS friends. Of the three that were there two were diagnosed with some form of it and both were on medications. Another who wasn’t present seems very sad also. She said all that they wanted to talk about was her, and that she was afraid to ask them too many questions. It really does seem like a “there but for the grace of God, go I” type of issue. We need to really keep an eye on our college kids, and listen carefully as well! My heart goes out to you travellady, thank you for sharing your story & I hope everything ends up well.</p>
<p>When one of my DDs was a first year at a large state school, every girl on her floor, it seemed, was given Prozac by the school health center that spring. To me it felt like they were dealing with the normal pains of transition, but a school doc gave a serious med after a brief appointment. By fall as far as she knew, most of the girls were not on the med, they were not clinically depressed, they were situationally depressed and had to develop coping skills</p>
<p>Insurance generally requires a diagnosis in the first 45 minute appointment, and that often means meds, at least when it is a psychiatrist. Paying out of pocket allows a longer evaluation, and postponement of meds until really needed.</p>
<p>I would imagine that health services is interested in getting kids functional quickly. It is easier and cheaper than weekly psychiatric or psychological appts., and avoids medical/psych. leaves, which is not good for the colleges’ budgets or retention stats.</p>
<p>Try googling up the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) or have son do the same. They have a different approach that is consumer-based, community based that can segue with any medical care. Depending on your region, there may be local support systems or group meetings. As well they are up on research and national advocacy in the nation’s capitol, so you know you’re not alone here. </p>
<p>From the safety of home, there are pages on their website describing each type of disorder. Read what is relevant to you. That way, EVERYONE in your family can become better informed about the basics of what might be troubling your son. Perhaps you’ll find your way to some strategies that are used to deal with triggers, stressors and other setbacks, plus positive ways to support your son towards better mental health and success on his own terms. </p>
<p>As the mom, I’d also encourage all of his siblings to read up on the “basics” about depression, so they can have compassion for him at this juncture of his life.</p>
<p>Hi everyone…an update. We brought son home about 3 days ago…waiting for him to pack up his dorm, sitting in the pouring rain, watching all the seemingly happy college students come and go, I got teary eyed myself, so badly wanting that same happiness for him and I was very sad that he was leaving and it had come to that. He goes to school which has an amazing campus in a very dynamic place which made it harder;consequently if he had gone to school in some rural farmland, it may not have made it look so appealing:) The drive home, though it started off somewhat depressing and with us all feeling melancholy, soon turned into almost a therapy session for our entire family. He opened up to us unlike any other time in the last few years, we had non stop open and honest dialogue going for over 5 hours. The first day home seemed strange, he felt displaced, and it was odd for all of us. Luckily, he made a call the following morning to a family friend whose printing business he has worked at and was offered a job for the month of Dec. starting the very next day! As luck would have it…he got an email from the dean of his school offering for him to go back in Jan. or whenever he wants to…this was hugely uplifting for all of us, knowing he has this choice and that it won’t entail him having to reapply. Incidentally, he has applied to two other schools that are pretty decent schools within 40 min. from our house. He is keeping his options open. I would only want him to go back to BC if in fact, he feel ready to apply himself fully and is feeling like he is a good and positive place. I am not so sure that in a month and change, he has overcome all that led up to this “meltdown” and my instinct is that he may be better off attending school locally, and having months to “get well” then keep the door open about returning in the fall. Its just a thought. Since you all were so kind to spend your time responding and offering good sound advice, I wanted to reciprocate by giving you an update. Thank you, warm wishes and happy holidays.</p>
<p>Thanks for the update. It can’t have been easy for you all, but it sounds like he’s on the mend already. Best wishes.</p>
<p>The best of wishes to your son and you. I can completely empathize w/ your situation. I hope yours comes to a successful fruition.</p>
<p>I think you’ve done everything right and you sound like a great mom. It took courage to bring your son home and I think you should trust your instincts as to whether he will be better off attending a school closer to home. I have a feeling that with you in his corner things will work out in time for your son.</p>