depression

My ex-wife is insisting that our 12 yr.old son has
major depression and put him on medication, counseling,
and took him out of school. I have him weds and fri nights
and every other weekend, also 1 week vacation and there are several times a year i will have him for long weekends. She has him the rest of the time.
I dont see it, neither do the people we associate with.
I keep thinking that if he was as depressed as she says
I would see it. When he is with me he seems fine, playing, laughing, etc. Am I wrong to think this?

Ben's Answer

I can't be the judge of whether your son is depressed or not. But I can tell you that antidepressant medication for a 12 year old carries plenty of risks. I also find it a bit unusual that he was taken out of school, given the fact that you find him to be acting happy - playing, and laughing. If he is seeing a psychiatrist for medication, and a therapist - then you should be involved in that - and in most states it is your legal right to be involved; A child therapist should be open to meeting with you - either alone, or with your ex-wife - or with your son - or all of you together. You need to be on the same page and make a joint decision on the best course of care for your son.

Take Care,
Ben Schwarcz, MFT
Santa Rosa Psychotherapist











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