My daughter has been struggling with depression since January. We've been working at getting her some help; but it's been a slow road. She's pretty much vegitative: very tired and physically sick.
Her 13th birthday is coming up in a few days and she says she doesn't want to celebrate. Would it be horrible to plan a mini celebration with just family or should I respect her request? Any suggestions?
I also wanted to know if anyone has used depression workbooks and whether they were good or not.
As far as the birthday, this is just my own opinion, I'm hoping someone more experienced weighs in with theirs.
I think her wishes, as I understand them, should be respected. It seems to me that having a celebration or drawing attention to it only reinforces the feeling that we aren't meeting the expectations of others, or it doesn't matter what we want. Highlights it even.
I'm just trying to think of suggestions. Perhaps an affirmation that you and others are there for her and will continue to be, would be helpful. Maybe reminisce about her birth, the circumstances; that she still means everything to you and you love her, the day is special, celebration or not.
But she's 13 and maybe still likes presents, or has some idea of how she would like to spend the day.
I haven't used such books. Sorry, I'm not familiar.
Take care of yourself too, the emotional and physical drain can be so high.
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