Supporter Mom Of A Ptsd Kid

[TandL's mum]

Hi everyone. My little boy (turning 9 this week) got a diagnosis of ptsd a week ago. I'm looking into a therapy dog for him as that was mentioned that it would be helpful. I may have found someone to do the training but am waiting to hear back as the majority of references I was given train dogs for adults (I wouldn't think there was that much of a difference but apparently there is). The medications he has been given are making him sick (dr stopped one on them after a few days but we are still on the 2nd one) and his visions/auditory hallucinations are getting worse. Anyone have any suggestions for resources for children with ptsd? I have not found a whole lot and the mental health programs near me are severely lacking for children his age. It's feeling all so overwhelming and I just want to help my little boy I'm not sure where to turn honestly. Any suggestions or thoughts is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Venusian]

Hi.
I have had PTSD for as long as I can remember but I didn't know it, I was only formally diagnosed this year and I am 49. I had nightmares and some flashbacks but I could not understand what they were. The trauma happened when I was 5. I hid it all behind being a loner and living in books. We always had cats and dogs when I was a child and one thing that always happened, when I needed someone there was always a dog or cat that was there. I have a cat curled up beside me right now. If you can get a PTSD trained dog that is great but there are a great many empathetic animals out there that instinctively know what to do. If it is a young dog that can grow with your son all the better perhaps they can train together.

As for medications be very cautious, I know from personal experience how the side affects can creep up on you. The reactions sometimes take weeks before they become noticeable and others it was just a couple days. Each person is unique and what works great for one person could have the opposite affect on the next. As you have already found there is a lot of trial and error before the right ones are given.

There are a few other parents of children with PTSD here on the forum and I hope they are still active. There is a large supporter network here that could help and there are forums just for supporters.

Welcome to the forum

 

[TandL's mum]

Thank you SO much Venusian. The person I connected with re the dog works with a rescue as we are avid supporters of getting animals out of shelters and into loving homes. We had 3 cats when my son was born (all have since gone to Rainbow Bridge) and my daughter adopted a stray guinea pig from the shelter and fosters also. Though I have to admit the turtle my son has is from a pet store.

He loves animals so they thought that would be a good route. I believe it is a younger dog they believed would be a good fit. Thanks for the endorsement - I felt very apprehensive about if it really could be helpful to him. Now I know to plow ahead and just get it done.

As for the medications, yes, he isn't reacting well. I'm not a believer in medicating people unless it is absolutely necessary and the psychiatrist working with my son knows that. He's been very good about making me feel heard. Though after my little guy walked in front of an on-coming car on purpose he said his lows are so low we need to try something to stabilize him so he doesn't do it again. It's so difficult seeing him like this. He sees and hears things tell him to harm himself or they will do it to him and on this new medication that is only increasing - unless the medication is having no effect and he is simply getting worse. I don't know - though I THINK it may be the medication as it is an anti-depression one. I left a message for the doctor so I will speak to him 1st thing tomorrow morning and we'll go from there.

Oh I do hope they are still around. Having someone to talk with would be so helpful. I feel most of the time I simply can't relate to a lot of what I read or hear as it's geared more towards adults and that's why I'm feeling so overwhelmed I think...I try and take pieces out of things that seem to make sense but as you said everyone is different and I am finding that this whole experience is definitely one of trial and error because there is no "right" or "wrong" answer only lots of gray to muddle through.

Thank you again for saying hello and making me feel welcome.

 

[JarHed]

Hi TandL's mum

This is a terrific resource for info and great and supportive people. Welcome.

I'm sorry to hear about your son's condition. My question is about his diagnosis of PTSD. From what you've said it sounds like some other things are going on with him as well; hearing voices, ect. Although feeling suicidal is an aspect of PTSD. If you don't feel that you have the right doctors or people that are experienced with children with his condition I'd suggest getting to people and a place where they can. I suggest this as a long time sufferer from combat PTSD. Early on no one knew what it was or how to help me. Consequently I suffered for many years. I wouldn't wish that on anyone especially a child.

I wish you the best luck and hope for your son, that he can get some improvement and to just feel like a kid again.

JarHed

 

[TandL's mum]

Thank you JarHead. The doctor says he has some depression mixed with the ptsd and that is where the voices and visions are coming from though he isn't 100% positive it isn't the result of flashbacks and being a young child it is simply how it presents itself as well. I'm not happy with the program he is in during the day but there are no others ones in my area except 1 and they don't seem to want to take my son due to an insurance issue. Mostly all the programs are geared towards adults or teens. he's just so little. I'm still looking though and advocating. Hopefully this week will bring something. Thanks so much.

LisaBeth

 

[Abstract]

Welcome Tandl's Mum,

I always find it touching to see concerned and dedicated parents come on here to get help for their children. It leaves me a little teary at times - like now. I am glad he has a mother like you to help him.

Voices and visions are often intrusions or flashback material for those with PTSD so that would be totally "normal". Apparently some have other hallucinations not directly linked to trauma as well. Even severe depression can cause some of these symptoms too.

A PTSD dog sounds like an excellent idea to me. If you post a thread specifically about that you are sure to get more people sharing their personal experiences.

I personally think medication can have an important role especially when someone is in a very bad place.

There is a lot of information on here that may be useful to you. You might want to read the article section at the top of the page.

I am afraid I don't have much to offer but wanted to welcome you.

 

[TandL's mum]

Abstract you had a lot to offer...the mere fact that you made that initial comment made ME teary. I have just felt like I'm failing him right now. I couldn't protect him from what caused this and I feel like I'm muddling through trying to get him help. Your kindness means a lot. Thank you.

That's a great idea about posting specifically re the dog. I hadn't thought of that.

 

[DMerish]

Hi T&L's mom -

There are many organizations that train dogs to become a "Service Dog" - I don't know where in the world you happen to be, so the link below will redirect to an international organization. You could also Google "Service Dog" for the area in which you live. I'd love to have one myself, but can't at this time.

Anyhoo, Service Dogs are trained to help people with many different types of physical and mental/emotional issues. A Service Dog may not even be required in your son's case; however, Service Dogs, in general, are awesome. One common bred of Service Dog is the Yellow Lab. A fellow that I work with trains them from puppyhood. Once the dog is trained and mature, then it goes through various tests. About 30% of them do not pass for various reasons - reasons that are much less critical than others. For instance, the most recent dog my co-worked trained didn't pass because one of it's ears was not shaped entirely the way it was supposed to. The 30% that don't pass have to find homes . . . Checking into resources in your area, and maybe rescuing one of the "rejects" might be a great way to get a great dog for your son. Just my $0.02.

Good luck :hug:

http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/

 

[intothelight]

Hi Tandl's Mom,

Welcome to MyPTSD forum! :)

You are doing a great job being an advocate for your son. Even if you can't find the resources right now, you are on the right path and continue to research, seek out advice, and push for the proper care. Good luck with the service dog as animals can make such a huge difference.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie

 

[JustBe]

A Service Dog can absolutely make a huge positive impact. I posted a couple of links for you on your other thread.

Please be careful. There are a ton of Service Dog Scams out there.

I think your son is very lucky to have you. I have lived most of my life undiagnosed and misunderstood. It was such a relief to finally get the support and understanding.

My best advice to you is to keep loving and advocating for your son and to learn the ADA!

Here is a link too a very good lady who can help steer you in the right direction if you choose to get a PAD. I have read her book and it is wonderful.

possibilitydogs.org/

(PS..Admin...I have NO connection with this Author or Organization. I'm just trying to help this mother.)

 

[TandL's mum]

Morning everyone.

DMerish - I'm on the NE Coast of the USA near NYC. I'd think there would have to be something around here, but I'm finding that there is a ton of things on the west coast (where I use to live) more than here. Will definitely take a look at the link and see if that leads me anywhere! Also thanks for the tip on the "rejects" I hadn't thought about that one. Always have had a soft spot for those that don't quite fit in. Thanks for the idea.

intothelight - Thanks so much for your kind words. I feel like I'm failing him as it seems like I am constantly hitting a dead end. I'm not giving up though.

MovinOn - yes thank you for the links on the other thread. I'm spending today exploring everything and seeing what comes out of it. I'll take a look at her book. Amy advice right now is welcome as I feel like I'm floating down stream approaching a waterfall very quickly!

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)