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Teenage Daughter Is Struggling
Sun, 10/08/2017 - 22:33Topic: Parents & Caregivers
My name is Robin and my 15 year old daughter is Madison. She was diagnosed with a Convulsive Seizure Disorder in June of 2017. We are still undergoing testing and doctor appointments.
She is struggling with everything and I am trying so hard to be uplifting, encouraging, and emphatic. We have no cause for any of her seizures; these were not and have not been brought on by any injury or sickness and so on...we're clueless!
She currently has been having, in my own words, the Convulsive and silent types of seizures. She also has ADHD and Depression.
We're thankful for her amazing Neurologist and University of Louisville's Pediatric Specialists! I just wish my daughter had someone to relate to. ☹️
Let me first say you are not!
Submitted by Pscd on Tue, 2017-10-10 - 22:41
Let me first say you are not! It's heartbreaking to watch your child struggle without knowing deeply why. My started having seizures around 5 years old and it was extremely scary! It took 5 seizures and hospital visits before I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed her. The medication she's on works great but I believe maybe having adverse effects as she was recently diagnosed with adhd and she struggles alot academically and socially and can be emotional. I'd like to say think of the depression as a trickle down condition, your child is dealing with things she doesn't entirely understand, she's probably scared too! Protocol would be an mri and sleep deprived eeg, unsure if you've already had these done, they rule out tumours and let them see brain patterns. Sadly though more times than not a kid can get epilepsy without cause and the good news is majority will grow out of it. My new neurologist as I switched because the old one was not as thorough told me by 18 if they still have seizures it's likely they will forever, but with the right care and medication your daughter will be perfectly fine! Teaching coping and managing strategies are imperative and don't be afraid to talk to a councillor or attend support groups where she may meet people with the same struggles, that Wlil help her ease her mind. Teaching her about epilepsy and adhd and understanding it will definitely ease the depression. Also I suggest lots of omegas and a b complex vitamin! Talk to your doctor about natural remedies such as kava and Valerian, makes nightly calm down regimen with chamomile tea and soft music you'd be amazed! Consider yoga or meditation right at home! It's alot of work but structure routines and calming regimens are great! Good luck you both! Your daughter is going to be amazing!