"My sons life after and during clinical depression and body dismorphic disorder"

My son turned 13 and became what everyone described as a typical teenager. I was told by everyone that his erratic behaviour was typical, but eventually did not believe it and took him to see his GP, believing my son to be clinically depressed or bipolar. His GP referred him to Nottinghamshire CAMHS and from then on things gradually began to get better.

Initially my son did not want to visit CAMHS, he was rude to the Psychiatrist, he would not see the therapist, he did not want to take prescribed medication. Anything that could be fought against, was.

It took a number of months for my son to agree to take his medication, but once he had started things began to improve. He was on anti-depressant medication for 10 months, but it helped him cope.

In addition to battling depression, my son was also diagnosed with body dismorphic disorder. Following 2 years of bullying at school he was obsessive about his appearnace and didn't want to live anymore.

When he did eventually see the therapist, his life immediately turned around. Those sessions were exactly what he needed at exactly the right time.

Everyone involved with the CAMHS team, was marvellous. They understood, were patient and helpful, not only to my son, but also to me.

It took a year of visits, but in that time my son returned to the out going, fun loving person he had been.

His depression was so bad he had to be home schooled for a year, but he left with 6 qualifications, which allowed him a place at college. He now attends full time college and is loving it.

So for all those carers or parents out there with children: if you believe your child is struggling and may need psyciatric help, I believe you will get excellent help if you are referred to the Nottinghamshire CAMHS team.

It took a year for my son to turn his life around but with the help of CAMHS, it happened.