Medication for 15yo daughter?

[CPV]

My daughter has just turned 15. She's been suffering with depression for at least 6 months (It's been really prominent for 6 months, building up for a couple of years). There's some self harm, I'm not sure if it's escalating or staying the same. She's ashamed and doesn't want to talk to me about the self harm. Her school is supportive. She's seeing a psychologist but she doesn't really tell her what's happening, like that she is still self harming. She has no trauma history. We've tried to look at thoughts and triggers but haven't been able to identify any. Her GP thinks her main problem is genetics and he strongly supports medication. I guess my question is, when do you know as a parent that the time is right to try antidepressants with your child? What has your experience been? I don't want her to keep suffering but the warnings that come with antidepressant use in teens scare me.

[sunnyl20]

Hi CPV,

Welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has been struggling so much, I cannot imagine how painful it must be to watch as a parent. She is lucky to have you in her corner though, you sound very caring and supportive. If you are feeling unsure or concerned about treatment, I would really encourage you to talk to her doctor or seek a second opinion from a different clinician if you feel like this would be useful. I'm sorry I am not very helpful, but I really hope that you are able to find the information and guidance that you need to help your daughter recover.

Please know that you can reach out here any time. We are here to listen. Take care.