This past Monday, Alex’s therapist called me to strongly advise that she gets evaluated by a psychiatrist to take antidepressants. Since her pediatrician also suggested the same, I was ready to pursue this plan immediately. Howard on the other hand was very resistant to this idea. He said he researched a lot about antidepressants on the developing brains of teenagers/young adults as well as it’s side effects and withdrawal symptoms. He told me to do my own research. He said they are mind-altering drugs and we need to be cautious especially for younger people.

I was upset at him at first because I just wanted to help Alex right away. But after praying for God’s guidance and wisdom with my good prayer friends, God was faithful to also show me that antidepressants are not the route for Alex. It wasn’t just my online research but also friends that I talked to about antidepressants for teenagers. My pharmacist friend in the neighborhood has two teenagers with lots of mental challenges and issues. Both their kids’ therapists recommended antidepressants for them too. Her husband and her both felt similarly about antidepressants like Howard. One good prayer friend with a heavy science background who always seems to know lots of health and medical information agreed too. Plus I had coffee with another friend from the church community who told me about her experiences with antidepressants as a young adult and agreed with all the rest. She also provided me with OTC vitamins that should be tried first before synthetic antidepressants drugs. Lord, guide me please. 🙏

It appears that therapists and psychiatrists are very quick to recommend antidepressants. I’m not saying antidepressants should never be used for teenagers and young adults; but for Alex’s case it is very clear from the Lord that this is not to be her care route. Thank you Holy Spirit for confirming this decision with many confirmations. From Monday to Friday, what a difference my mind and heart is at after the call from her therapist.

I was woken up today at 2am. Usually I sleep very well even through great challenges because of the Lord’s blessings. It’s okay since I got to read more of Ruth Bell Graham’s book, “Prodigals and Those Who Love Them”. It is an excellent book for parents/caregivers who are concerned and praying for their wayward teenagers and adult children. The above photo is from the book. They are very good advice and reminders.

Dear God, I release my children, Alex and Evan to you…again. Please help me to not get so agitated and stressed as I’m waiting for You to do Your part. Help me to do my part as well as possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for the Graham family too. What a gift they are to the body of Christ. Thank you, thank you! Also, Evan needs to find summertime job and activities. I don’t want him to spend hours in his bedroom with all internet access. Please keep my children safe from evil influences and people in the World Wide Web. In Jesus name, I pray amen. 🙏 I’m getting sleepy now and it’s almost 5am. 🥱