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What Causes Severe Depression After Taking Lexapro?
Question: My daughters depression became significantly worse 6 months after commencing Lexapro. At this time a significant life event occurred (break up with partner of 3 years), which triggered feelings of no self worth and negative self talk. Self harmed started to occur each month during her menstrual cycle. In the past 3 months she has entered a new relationship (without dealing with the loss of previous relationship). New partner has schizophrenia and bipolar. Also seems to have narcisistic traits. My daughters self harm behaviours have increased, she had a hospitalisation (suicidal ideation, hearing demonic voice). She has also moved out of home and moved in with the new boyfriend. She has disengaged from all previous psychological supports, as they have advised her that the relationship is codependent and that she is taking on symptoms/mirroring her partners symptoms. her partner also appears controlling, abusive (she has had bruising, and partner has held knife to her). She denies his behaviours and excuses them due to him being mentally ill. Can you please suggest how family and friends can assist her to gain insight into how toxic/dangerous her situation is? What conversations can we start, etc, without pushing her further away. She has minimal contact with family and friends, since moving in with him. She has also stopped working and ceased her university studies.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, and thanks very much for your question.
Let me again express my sympathy for the difficulties your family and your daughter have been through recently. I hope to be able to give you some sound advice about how to help.
Whatever your daughter's diagnosis, whether depression, bipolar disorder, a stress-related disorder, or borderline personality - all these terms are in a way meaningless. What we need to do is focus on the uniqueness of your daughter's symptoms as they apply to her as a unique individual, and to think about how you and the rest of the family can help.
First, let me say that ultimately your daughter will have to make her own decisions. As much as you may want her to choose a certain path, the only person who can choose her way forward is her. So try not to feel guilty -- ultimately it is she who has to decide to get out of this toxic relationship and seek appropriate treatment for herself.
You and your family can be helpful in a few major ways.
First, you need to continue to let your daughter know that you are on her side. Showing her your support by being there for her and listening to her is the biggest thing family can do, and believe me, it makes a difference and really helps.
Second, you need to honestly share with her your concerns about this relationship. Don't sugarcoat it -- this is an abusive relationship, and you are concerned about her safety. Let her know this, and it may help encourage her to leave it. Again, emphasize that you are only looking out for her health and safety.
Third, provide financial support, but only for treatment. Oftentimes people will use their family's money for ulterior motives. You want her to realize that this relationship is not only detrimental emotionally, but by ceasing university it is also wrecking her chance to earn a living. Financial support will only encourage that kind of behavior. Offer to pay for treatment -- this is something of benefit. But consider cutting off other funding so she can realize the consequences of her choices. Consequences are very important here.
I hope this was helpful. This is a very difficult situation I'm sure. If you'd like to talk more, reach out to me at my private link:
XXXX
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
After asking a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, and thanks very much for your question.
Let me again express my sympathy for the difficulties your family and your daughter have been through recently. I hope to be able to give you some sound advice about how to help.
Whatever your daughter's diagnosis, whether depression, bipolar disorder, a stress-related disorder, or borderline personality - all these terms are in a way meaningless. What we need to do is focus on the uniqueness of your daughter's symptoms as they apply to her as a unique individual, and to think about how you and the rest of the family can help.
First, let me say that ultimately your daughter will have to make her own decisions. As much as you may want her to choose a certain path, the only person who can choose her way forward is her. So try not to feel guilty -- ultimately it is she who has to decide to get out of this toxic relationship and seek appropriate treatment for herself.
You and your family can be helpful in a few major ways.
First, you need to continue to let your daughter know that you are on her side. Showing her your support by being there for her and listening to her is the biggest thing family can do, and believe me, it makes a difference and really helps.
Second, you need to honestly share with her your concerns about this relationship. Don't sugarcoat it -- this is an abusive relationship, and you are concerned about her safety. Let her know this, and it may help encourage her to leave it. Again, emphasize that you are only looking out for her health and safety.
Third, provide financial support, but only for treatment. Oftentimes people will use their family's money for ulterior motives. You want her to realize that this relationship is not only detrimental emotionally, but by ceasing university it is also wrecking her chance to earn a living. Financial support will only encourage that kind of behavior. Offer to pay for treatment -- this is something of benefit. But consider cutting off other funding so she can realize the consequences of her choices. Consequences are very important here.
I hope this was helpful. This is a very difficult situation I'm sure. If you'd like to talk more, reach out to me at my private link:
XXXX
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
After asking a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (XXXX). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: XXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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