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Depression and counceling

Tue, February 10, 2015 9:09 PM

My son was diagnosed with crohns in 7th grade, hes now a freshman. He gets remicade infusions every week. He has some pretty bad mood swings and has threatened to kill himself. I would like to have him see a counselor, are their counselors who help kids deal with crohns?

bartzy
Joined May 8, 2013

Tue, February 17, 2015 12:32 PM

Coping with a chronic illness like IBD can be very challenging but there are resources that can help. Please review our brochure on Emotional Factors http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/emotional.pdf

If you would like to seek help from a mental health professional, although CCFA does not provide referrals, we can provide you with some helpful resources to find a therapist who has experience helping IBD patients. The American Psychological Association has a psychologist locator that you might want to try. Some of them list specialties, some do not. The key is to find a mental health provider who specializes in chronic diseases if you cannot find one in your area that specializes in IBD. The website is http://locator.apa.org (It may help to choose “Chronic Disease/Coping With” as the specialty and type in your zip code.)

Many IBD patients and their loved ones find support groups to be a valuable resource for information, support and guidance. If you would like information on support groups and educational events in your area you may go to the following link and click on your state: http://www.ccfa.org/chapters/

Learn about CCFA Camp Oasis kids. Find out about camps in your area at: http://www.ccfa.org/get-involved/camp-oasis/

View a “Guide for Teens with IBD” at: http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/teenguide.pdf

Visit the teen website at: www.JustLikeMeIBD.org

Please email info@ccfa.org or call our toll-free number at 1.888.MY.GUT.PAIN (1.888.694.8872), Monday through Friday 9am-5pm EST to speak with an information specialist.

administrator
Joined Oct 12, 2017

Mon, February 16, 2015 10:18 AM

Reply posted for lizzies mom.

Thank You for the information, i do not feel right now he is in a dark place. i did ask him if he wanted to talk to a counselor about how crohns makes him feel and he did not. I think it's hard enough to deal with all the normal issues being an adolescent brings, and then put a chronic medical condition on top of all that has got to be so tough. I hope your daughter is doing well. Thanks again

bartzy
Joined May 8, 2013

Sun, February 15, 2015 6:24 PM

Reply posted for bartzy.

I don't think there are counselors specific for "IBD patients". We too are dealing with our daughter, same age and had to have her admitted for evaluation through the ER one night. They did a psych eval and were able to secure a bed in an inpatient facility in order to keep her safe and stabilize her.

Depression is something you should not waste time with seeking help. If he isn't considering ending his life and you feel he isn't in immediate danger, then you can make an appointment for a Child Psychiatrist for evaluation. Do not wait for the situation to worsen.

If he is in a dark place and you are unsure, bring him to the ER and have him evaluated. It is important we take these steps before our kids turn 18, otherwise our hands are somewhat tied.

There is help out there.....Good luck!!

lizzies mom
Joined Sep 9, 2009

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