I really haven't posted much, so bear with me. I do need your prayers in this situation. My 14 year old has been fighting depression for almost a year now. She is seeing a therapist, and her youth group leaders and our pastor is helping as much as they can. It's a combination of things, her hormones, trying to find herself, adjusting to her little sister, who is almost 23 mos. old. I'm trying to make this as short as I can. She also doesn't have a very good self image, and I've always tried to encourage that. She just in the past few months has let me know she doesn't like herself very much and it's breaking my heart. She's a beautiful, smart, young woman with so much to offer this world. I have a hard time leaving this in God's hands, even though I know He is going to take care of her. I'm going through my first teen years, so I know how hard it is to understand them. I have two step-sons, but they are out on their own.
I just wanted to get some more prayer warriors on her side. She was saved last summer, but I know she's struggling with her relationship with the Lord also. Your prayers would be so much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Praying for your dd! We went through similar things when our dd was 13-14.(she is now 15 and has bipolar affective disorder) The most important thing is to keep communicating and let her know you love her no matter what. Our dd needed(needs) a lot of reminders that we loved her unconditionally. Keep getting her whatever help she needs! God bless and feel free to pm me if you need to talk to a mom who has been there.

The teen years are so difficult - I have struggled with depression on and off since from the time I pre-teen until my college years; the love and support I received from family and friends was consistently the one thing that kept me going when I really didn't want to go on anymore - more than therapy, more than anything else. I love myself and I love being alive now, and I didn't always.

Letting her know how loved and important she is to you is the best thing you can do for her - and it sounds like you are already doing a great job of that and of keeping her busy with her youth group which is also supportive of her (busy is good!). It can take a long time, but it does get so much better - for her and for you. I will be praying for your family!!!!! [prayer]

My heart and prayers go out to you and your dd. Great words of advice already given. Because I've never experienced depression in my dd, I cannot give words on that subject, but she has been through those difficult tween years, and it was hard. The horrormones (as we like to refer to them in this house) are sometimes unbearable, and for a girl trying to find herself, and establish herself as a respectable young woman and make the "right" kind of friends, and do the right thing, it's SO hard.

Just continue to show your dd how much you love her without pushing. Showing her you support her through thick and thin. Look up some verses that may encourage her self image....my dd's favorite verse is Proverbs 31:30. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

With patience, perseverance and lots and lots of love, you will get through this. She will know, in the end of this season of her life, that above all, her momma was there, loving and supporting her. [praying]

[thankssign] Thank you so much for your prayers and advice. I am being very supportive of her, gosh it's just so tough to watch your child go through something like this. She has a an appointment with her therapist Monday. I'll keep you posted!!!!!!! Thanks so much and God Bless!!
Geri

gosh it's just so tough to watch your child go through something like this.

You are so right. It has been the most difficult thing I've had do deal with so far as a parent. I will be remembering her in my prayers. Also I will pray for wisdom and strength for you!

Geri I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom, but am at a loss here. But I am praying earnestly for your daughter, and you. Please feel free to always talk to other moms here. We may not be able to help per say but we can all listen and offer prayer and support.

Hugs and prayers.

[thankssign] Thank you so much for your prayers and advice. I am being very supportive of her, gosh it's just so tough to watch your child go through something like this. She has a an appointment with her therapist Monday. I'll keep you posted!!!!!!! Thanks so much and God Bless!!
Geri

Hope she sticks with it and gets well. It will be uphill, but it is better to climb than drop. You got through the most important milestone already-- recognizing depression and getting help. That was sooo important b/c it only gets worse otherwise. Wouldn't want to think about what could have happened. :(

Thank you all so much! I feel so blessed to have found Christian Mommies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [cmomsrocks]

Just wanted to let you all know, all went well at the therapist, she is going to be put on medication, I'm a little worried about that, but our family doctor said as long as I monitered it, everything will be okay. I really do appreciate the support you all have offered. You're great!!!!!!!!

For all of you that have been praying for us, thank you so much. We had a breakthrough at church tonight. My dd prayed at the alter, and later told me that she had been having some serious conversations with God, and that she's going to be okay. Then she told me she loved me!!!!!!! :D I just can't praise God enough! [claphigh]

For all of you that have been praying for us, thank you so much. We had a breakthrough at church tonight. My dd prayed at the alter, and later told me that she had been having some serious conversations with God, and that she's going to be okay. Then she told me she loved me!!!!!!! :D I just can't praise God enough! [claphigh]

That is so wonderful to hear! Praying that things keep getting better!!!!!

I will pray for your daughter, [prayer] keep your eyes on the Lord. My son is 25 and has been on meds since he was 19. You can pm me anytime you need to. I will be here for you.

Your sister in Christ,
Mary


[angelpink]

Thank you for your prayers. It seems like we are on a roller coaster.
I know God is working in her life, but I think she sometimes tell me what she knows I want to here. Please keep praying for her. She's battling good against evil. I won't let Satan have control of my daughter, I refuse!
She is still very involved with her youth group and never misses church.
I appreciate everyones prayers and advice it really does help. I don't have very many people here at home that I can talk to. Our pastor has seen this before and he is very helpful, but he is also very busy. Just keep praying for us and I'll keep you posted!

Thank you Mary!!!!!!!!

Hi Geri,

I am so glad to hear that your dd is still going to church. It is so beneficial, but many young people turn away. My dd tried but we wouldn't let her. We also kept the attitude of not letting Satan have our child. I am so proud of you and will continue to lift you in prayer. [hug]

I hope this doesn't sound crazy but there is a great book that might be good for your dd to read...It's by Frank Peretti, "This Present Darkness" It is not a graphic book but it just amazing in how it puts the demons that we fight into a different light. It shows how truly weak demons are and has helped me when I slip back into my dark valleys.

Either way, I will pray for the troubles you are having.
[prayer]

Thanks Jypsi,
I'll check that book out. I've been searching for some books for her. I have found some good information on James Dobson's website. I'm also looking up scripture to suit this situation. Thank's a bunch! :D

I don't want to waylay this thread or turn it into a Peretti discussion, but I wanted to add that This Present Darkness may be a difficult read for your daughter right now. I know some of the moms here like the book and I surely don't intend any offense to Jypsi. You know your daughter and what will help her, but I found the book to be very heavy handed on demonism.

If your girl is saved, she already is the Lord's and the enemy cannot have her. I would tend to think that any book that causes her to focus on Christ and who she is in Christ would bring more light into her life.

John 10

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.


Romans 8

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Who I Am In Christ

I AM ACCEPTED

John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1, ROM 8:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as his child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.


I AM JUSTIFIED

Romans 8:1 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me, and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work he started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of Heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.


I AM SIGNIFICANT

John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of his life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Thank you Madre!!!!!! Thanks so much for the verses!!!!!!! Several there I hadn't thought of! She has been saved, but she is in a state of confusion, that the enemy has placed there. The scriptures will be very helpful!!!!!!!

You're very welcome! [hug]

Just wanted to update everyone that has been praying for my girl!! She is on meds (low dose) and they seem to be helping her. We were referred to a psychiatrist, but I found out he wasn't a Christian, so we didn't go. The therapist and our family doctor are working together to help her. We had a good talk two nights ago and she really seems to be doing better. She says she stresses and worries too much about other people and things she has no control over. Also that she is at a crossroad; from child to young adult and that she is just trying to find herself ; and that it isn't easy. So profound!!!! I'm really proud of her and I know that God will continue to help her find herself. I will keep you all posted in my journal!!!!!!!!! :D

Thanks for the update! I am so glad she is making progress :D

[cheer] YAY for Amber!!!!

Glad to hear she is progressing. Remember we are all a work in progress!!!

I will still keep her in my prayers.[pray]


[angelpink]