17 yr old with Depression

Adobewan

Adobewan

Well-Known Member
Hello All,

I have a 17 yr old teenage girl in my life who's struggles with depression and anxiety seem to be peaking(this whole generation seems to be struggling with similar issues). Therapy has been ineffective, and it seems the doctors don't know what to prescribe as they just keep taking shots in the dark, with this poor girl the guinea pig. I know how cannabis has helped me and I can't help but feel that it would free her from some of the shackles, perhaps illuminate the end of the tunnel, and maybe even provide a little hope. She is on an anti-depressant and ADHD medicine.

I don't have the knowledge, nor can I find unbiased information, on safely regulated cannabis use for teenage girls with these struggles, other than some potential issues with a CYP enzyme effecting the absorption of the prescription meds. Kind of at the end of my rope but need to find this girl some relief.

I'm hoping this forum might have some experience and information to share.
Thanks in advance.
 
virtualpurple

virtualpurple

Well-Known Member
her Brain won’t be developed for around another 8 years. I think if I were you I wouldn’t even consider recommending or supplying cannabis to try and help with symptom management. If somehow that ever did come out and get back to you the repercussions would probably not be good.

I know that likely many of us used marijuana prior to 25, some folks quite regularly too...and turned out just fine. But that doesn’t mean that I want my nieces or nephews trying it before their brain is fully developed.

It’s unfortunate, but this young girls situation is the same as anyone’s. Treatment for depression for anyone and everyone is a pretty delicate balancing act. Everyone receiving antidepressants is a guinea pig in that sense, with providers having to throw noodles at the wall hoping that one sticks.

I do not mean with what’s written above to sound insensitive, because this girls situation is unique to her as well as unique to you. But that is kinda the truth about depression and pharmaceutical treatment.

does this girl exercise? If not that is exactly the first and best place to start. Tons of research demonstrates that regular exercise can be equally or more effect than medications, and for many people it allows them to ween off from their antidepressants altogether. The hardest part is developing the habit because it is hard to bring yourself to working out or getting outside of your comfort zone when you have no motivation and are full of insecurity.

curbing down the phone use can be big too. People tend to do just introvert and rely on that phone in their hand, alienating themselves to proper human contact.

ADD medications present their own problems as well. That is another balancing act. I recall what an ordeal it was before I was able to find the medication that best suited me. Some gave me bad headaches, one in particular worked fantastic but when it started tapering off the crash left me feeling drained and depressed. The higher the highs, the lower the lows.

I hope that’s helpful and does not offend.
 
Adobewan

Adobewan

Well-Known Member
virtualpurple said:
her Brain won’t be developed for around another 8 years. I think if I were you I wouldn’t even consider recommending or supplying cannabis to try and help with symptom management. If somehow that ever did come out and get back to you the repercussions would probably not be good.

I know that likely many of us used marijuana prior to 25, some folks quite regularly too...and turned out just fine. But that doesn’t mean that I want my nieces or nephews trying it before their brain is fully developed.

It’s unfortunate, but this young girls situation is the same as anyone’s. Treatment for depression for anyone and everyone is a pretty delicate balancing act. Everyone receiving antidepressants is a guinea pig in that sense, with providers having to throw noodles at the wall hoping that one sticks.

I do not mean with what’s written above to sound insensitive, because this girls situation is unique to her as well as unique to you. But that is kinda the truth about depression and pharmaceutical treatment.

does this girl exercise? If not that is exactly the first and best place to start. Tons of research demonstrates that regular exercise can be equally or more effect than medications, and for many people it allows them to ween off from their antidepressants altogether. The hardest part is developing the habit because it is hard to bring yourself to working out or getting outside of your comfort zone when you have no motivation and are full of insecurity.

curbing down the phone use can be big too. People tend to do just introvert and rely on that phone in their hand, alienating themselves to proper human contact.

ADD medications present their own problems as well. That is another balancing act. I recall what an ordeal it was before I was able to find the medication that best suited me. Some gave me bad headaches, one in particular worked fantastic but when it started tapering off the crash left me feeling drained and depressed. The higher the highs, the lower the lows.

I hope that’s helpful and does not offend.
Click to expand...
No offense taken at all. Wanted information and experiences and you were right there for me.
TY @virtualpurple
 
Adobewan

Adobewan

Well-Known Member
ginolicious said:
I agree with the brain not being fully developed at that age. Why don’t you try CBD orally ingested? CBD is cannabis. But I would think it would have a different affect then smoking thc. Not a doctor by any means. So shit. I dunno what I’m saying.
Click to expand...
Good thought @ginolicious
Currently trying that, sublingually micro-dosing up to try to find the right dosage, but so far no effect.
I think Virtual's exercise suggestion is right on, but so is his statement on the difficulty in motivating the severely unmotivated. It can be Herculean.
And of course I understand the potential negatives regarding cannabis and the under developed brain, but the pharmaceuticals prescribed can be down right toxic, on top of being ineffective. The side effects they carry are frightening.
 
TheThriftDrifter

TheThriftDrifter

Land of the long vapor cloud
What about finding and focusing on something this young lady is interested in/passionate about.
With the intention of getting her mind active in a positive direction? Sometimes the smallest interest can grow into an avenue for change and/or healing.

Getting out spending time in nature, beach, river, woods, lake, mountains, wind, star gazing, build a fire and cook food over it.
Go somewhere and hang with no intention other than just observing.

Or the opposite, go to a fun park, go carting, swimming, paintball, skiing, crafting, painting, dare I say it.... get a kitten/puppy.

It's really heart warming to see the love, concern and support you are offering her and also the sharing and support for you here on this thread.

Good on you for reaching out. Much respect to all.
 
ginolicious

ginolicious

Well-Known Member
@TheThriftDrifter makes a valid point. That’s how I combat some of my issues actually. Find something passionate. I was gonna mention it but got side tracked. I use to paint warhammer. Snowboard. Video games. Things that keep my mind active and give me something to look forward to. Like the new animal crossing game coming out in March just gives me something to focus on and live for I guess. Makes the stress and anxiety disappear by just thinking about it.
 
Adobewan

Adobewan

Well-Known Member
TheThriftDrifter said:
What about finding and focusing on something this young lady is interested in/passionate about.
With the intention of getting her mind active in a positive direction? Sometimes the smallest interest can grow into an avenue for change and/or healing.

Getting out spending time in nature, beach, river, woods, lake, mountains, wind, star gazing, build a fire and cook food over it.
Go somewhere and hang with no intention other than just observing.

Or the opposite, go to a fun park, go carting, swimming, paintball, skiing, crafting, painting, dare I say it.... get a kitten/puppy.

It's really heart warming to see the love, concern and support you are offering her and also the sharing and support for you here on this thread.

Good on you for reaching out. Much respect to all.
Click to expand...
Beautiful thinking @TheThriftDrifter .
Christmas was recording equipment and software, to build upon her truly amazing talent. A puppy would be great but not doable in this circumstance.

@ginolicious The new Animal Crossing sounds like something that would click with her. Currently, it’s Skyrim, Minecraft, and puzzle games on the IOS for her.

I’m moved as well, by the knowledge and compassion here, and not the first time by a long shot. FC is a special forum.
 
Magic9

Magic9

Plant Enthusiast
Cannabis has been helping me since I was a teen. We are in a similar situation. Our 18 year old suffers from depression and ADD/ADHD and is on medication for them. On occasion, we'll give her a 4 mg. gummy. It makes for a noticeable difference. It helps to see the light at times.

Of course I'm no doctor so take it for what it's worth. Just know that you're not alone here. She does volunteer at the humane society. That seems to lift the depression fog also.
 
EverythingsHazy

EverythingsHazy

Well-Known Member
Adobewan said:
Hello All,

I have a 17 yr old teenage girl in my life who's struggles with depression and anxiety seem to be peaking(this whole generation seems to be struggling with similar issues). Therapy has been ineffective, and it seems the doctors don't know what to prescribe as they just keep taking shots in the dark, with this poor girl the guinea pig. I know how cannabis has helped me and I can't help but feel that it would free her from some of the shackles, perhaps illuminate the end of the tunnel, and maybe even provide a little hope. She is on an anti-depressant and ADHD medicine.

I don't have the knowledge, nor can I find unbiased information, on safely regulated cannabis use for teenage girls with these struggles, other than some potential issues with a CYP enzyme effecting the absorption of the prescription meds. Kind of at the end of my rope but need to find this girl some relief.

I'm hoping this forum might have some experience and information to share.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

There is a lot to consider with depression. Sometimes, when medication isn't helping, it can be because life circumstances are causing or at least strongly exacerbating the symptoms.

If one doesn't have the following things in order, it is not unreasonable to feel depressed:
1. Health - Are you suffering from severe mental or physical suffering?
2. Occupation - Do you have a job that is productive and secure?
3. Education - Are you properly educated, given your background and intelligence level?
4. Friendship - Do you have friends? Are they good for you, or toxic?
5. Intimacy - Do you have an intimate relationship with anyone?
6. Family - Is your family life healthy or toxic?
7. Free Time - Are you using your free time productively, or wastefully?

If one or more of those factors is in disorder, depression can follow, and may not be fully treated by prescription medication.

If all of those things are in order, and you are still depressed, you are likely a good candidate for prescription medication.

Here are some other things to consider:
1. Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety, though stimulants can sometimes help people with ADHD.
2. Matcha tea has a bit of caffeine, but it also has L-theanine, which helps make the effects more calm and focused, vs jittery followed by a crash.
3. Ending a shower with cold water (allowing it to run over your face) activates the mammalian diving reflex, which lowers your heart rate, and can help with anxiety and stress levels, for prolonged periods of time.
4. Meditation, even if just for 10 minutes, helps with stress/anxiety, noticeably.
5. 4-7-8 breathing can provide immediate stress relief (4 seconds in, 7 hold, 8 exhale using your abs).
6. Trying to limit phone usage can help alleviate the anxiety caused by constant connection to the rest of the world. Starting your day with an hour or two before checking your phone, and ending it the same way, can give your some mental relief.

Good luck!
 
Madri-Gal

Madri-Gal

Child Of The Revolution
EverythingsHazy said:
There is a lot to consider with depression. Sometimes, when medication isn't helping, it can be because life circumstances are causing or at least strongly exacerbating the symptoms.

If one doesn't have the following things in order, it is not unreasonable to feel depressed:
1. Health - Are you suffering from severe mental or physical suffering?
2. Occupation - Do you have a job that is productive and secure?
3. Education - Are you properly educated, given your background and intelligence level?
4. Friendship - Do you have friends? Are they good for you, or toxic?
5. Intimacy - Do you have an intimate relationship with anyone?
6. Family - Is your family life healthy or toxic?
7. Free Time - Are you using your free time productively, or wastefully?

If one or more of those factors is in disorder, depression can follow, and may not be fully treated by prescription medication.

If all of those things are in order, and you are still depressed, you are likely a good candidate for prescription medication.

Here are some other things to consider:
1. Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety, though stimulants can sometimes help people with ADHD.
2. Matcha tea has a bit of caffeine, but it also has L-theanine, which helps make the effects more calm and focused, vs jittery followed by a crash.
3. Ending a shower with cold water (allowing it to run over your face) activates the mammalian diving reflex, which lowers your heart rate, and can help with anxiety and stress levels, for prolonged periods of time.
4. Meditation, even if just for 10 minutes, helps with stress/anxiety, noticeably.
5. 4-7-8 breathing can provide immediate stress relief (4 seconds in, 7 hold, 8 exhale using your abs).
6. Trying to limit phone usage can help alleviate the anxiety caused by constant connection to the rest of the world. Starting your day with an hour or two before checking your phone, and ending it the same way, can give your some mental relief.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
This is the best thing I have ever read about depression, @EverythingsHazy. Thanks for posting.
 
S

snamuh

ghost
EverythingsHazy said:
There is a lot to consider with depression. Sometimes, when medication isn't helping, it can be because life circumstances are causing or at least strongly exacerbating the symptoms.

If one doesn't have the following things in order, it is not unreasonable to feel depressed:
1. Health - Are you suffering from severe mental or physical suffering?
2. Occupation - Do you have a job that is productive and secure?
3. Education - Are you properly educated, given your background and intelligence level?
4. Friendship - Do you have friends? Are they good for you, or toxic?
5. Intimacy - Do you have an intimate relationship with anyone?
6. Family - Is your family life healthy or toxic?
7. Free Time - Are you using your free time productively, or wastefully?

If one or more of those factors is in disorder, depression can follow, and may not be fully treated by prescription medication.

If all of those things are in order, and you are still depressed, you are likely a good candidate for prescription medication.

Here are some other things to consider:
1. Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety, though stimulants can sometimes help people with ADHD.
2. Matcha tea has a bit of caffeine, but it also has L-theanine, which helps make the effects more calm and focused, vs jittery followed by a crash.
3. Ending a shower with cold water (allowing it to run over your face) activates the mammalian diving reflex, which lowers your heart rate, and can help with anxiety and stress levels, for prolonged periods of time.
4. Meditation, even if just for 10 minutes, helps with stress/anxiety, noticeably.
5. 4-7-8 breathing can provide immediate stress relief (4 seconds in, 7 hold, 8 exhale using your abs).
6. Trying to limit phone usage can help alleviate the anxiety caused by constant connection to the rest of the world. Starting your day with an hour or two before checking your phone, and ending it the same way, can give your some mental relief.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Great post.

For me... Stimulants are not worth the anxiety. I really try to limit to one coffee and even that I want to stop. But I love it when I drink it.

The phone kills me. Sucks my mind and day away. I don't know how to deal with this yet. But when I use my phone doing mindless Reddit stuff I feel like I used to feel on Adderall. It releases dopamine in my brain I guess from just searching Google for the next random thing I think of. I find internet addiction to be similar to stimulant [abuse?] I guess.

There's a lot of bullshit in the world right now it's weird. The best thing we can do if just be nice to each other and try to help everyone reach their best self regardless of our situations. And it can feel good to help and be nice to people.
 
BestBuds

BestBuds

The Dude
Adobewan said:
Hello All,

I have a 17 yr old teenage girl in my life who's struggles with depression and anxiety seem to be peaking(this whole generation seems to be struggling with similar issues). Therapy has been ineffective, and it seems the doctors don't know what to prescribe as they just keep taking shots in the dark, with this poor girl the guinea pig. I know how cannabis has helped me and I can't help but feel that it would free her from some of the shackles, perhaps illuminate the end of the tunnel, and maybe even provide a little hope. She is on an anti-depressant and ADHD medicine.

I don't have the knowledge, nor can I find unbiased information, on safely regulated cannabis use for teenage girls with these struggles, other than some potential issues with a CYP enzyme effecting the absorption of the prescription meds. Kind of at the end of my rope but need to find this girl some relief.

I'm hoping this forum might have some experience and information to share.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

EverythingsHazy said:
4. Meditation, even if just for 10 minutes, helps with stress/anxiety, noticeably.
5. 4-7-8 breathing can provide immediate stress relief (4 seconds in, 7 hold, 8 exhale using your abs).
Click to expand...

I have dealt with clinical depression my entire adolescence and adult life. When I was younger I used cannabis as a coping mechanism. I don't feel that cannabis was appropriate for me or really for anybody who is very young (unless needed).
As of others have pointed out the child brain is not done developing at that point. So I feel cannabis at a young age should really be used as a last resort.
If her depression is to the point of suicide idealization then I would say cannabis should be on the table. That is about as serious as depression can get.
The things that really made the biggest difference when I was younger was to get outside in nature (no distractions) and learn how to properly meditate in a mindful way. It teaches you the skills to be able to focus on different sensations. It teaches you how to control the focus of your attention and it teaches you how to regain control of your emotional responses. Helping you to not respond from emotion.
Breathing techniques are also fantastic to help with anxiety and panicky situations at any time.
The thing that has made the biggest impact on my life with depression and anxiety is volunteering to help those in need. But it must be done in secret! I used to volunteer to go and help rebuild peoples homes that were damaged by natural disasters. The people had no money and I earned nothing but a place to stay and food. I told no one in my life what I was doing. I would say "I'm going on a vacation" but I wouldn't tell that I would be working the entire time. I don't know what it is, but being the most kind and self-sacrificing you can be without the prospect of reward is an emotionally healing juggernaut.

I wish her peace and comfort.:peace:
 
C No Ego

C No Ego

Well-Known Member
here is an actual article on that = Taming THC - Russo. he talks about D-limonene to treat depression
 
C No Ego,
Hippie Dickie

Hippie Dickie

The Herbal Cube
Manufacturer
@Adobewan
I suggest looking at the Wim Hof (the "Iceman") videos on YouTube. There was a great Joe Rogan interview #712 with Win Hof.

The Wim Hof Method is a breathing technique that can unleash (and direct) the endocrine system for better health, including curing depression. Not medicating, nor stifling, but actually curing the condition.

Here is a 40 minute Vice video:

i am just getting into practicing his technique. Basically, it is hyperventilation plus a stressor to unleash adrenaline without the normal cortisol that comes from "flight or fight" response.

i have been into aerobics for the last 37 years (i'm 72 in a week) - my goal is to oxygenate the mitochondria for maximum energy. 30 minutes per session, 5 times a week - i routinely hit > maximum theoretical heart rate for 20 minutes. i personally think his approach is real, and effective.

It can not cause harm.
 
M

mephisto

Well-Known Member
If I might add, before going the pharmaceutical route for anti-depressants. Please consider herbal supplements thought to impact the neurotransmitters associated with depressive symptoms. I have had
great results with the following:
Holy Basil- anxiolytic, centering
Lemon Balm- anxiolytic, mood-enhancing
Rhodiola- energy, focus, mood-enhancing
Passionflower-anti-depressant
Amino acid supplements including L-tyrosine, and L-tryptophan
Magnesium supplements- relaxes muscle, helps regulate heart beat

I have used all of these to battle nearly 30 years of Depression and I would personally choose anything
over the crapshoot that Big Pharma will provide. As others have shared, a loving, balanced environment
and a creative outlet can do great things.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share, I hope you can help this young person through their struggle.
 
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