First of all, I want to thank everyone who commented in my diary yesterday, and express my extreme gratitude f0r the care and concern everyone expressed. To those who messaged me privately, I can only say that you touched my heart. Again, thank you all.
My husband and I visited Bree last night. She is doing fine and seems to be adjusting fairly well. She said that her biggest problem so far is the "no touching" policy, because, like her mother, she is a very "huggy" person, so not being able to hug people she can see are hurting is rough for her. She is getting along with the other kids in the unit, with the possible exception of one girl, who, upon finding out that Bree is gay, proceeded to go into a fundiegelical rant and told her that she needed to "read the Bible." Bree's response was, "The type is too small and the opinions too narrow-minded for me, but, thanks anyway." (Bree is not exactly the most tactful person on the planet.)
She has been able to work on her drawing, which is a good thing. She finds catharsis in her artwork, so being able to express herself through her drawing helps a lot.
I spoke with one of the therapists yesterday, and he said that she is severely depressed (not exactly an unexpected diagnosis), but that the fact that she sought help of her own volition is a good thing. He said that she is a very bright, articulate child and that she is being very cooperative with treatment. He said that this is a positive sign, which gives us reason to hope that she won't have to be in the hospital for very long. They are considering the possibility of putting her on antidepressants, but are in the process of determining which one(s) would be most beneficial. At the moment, they are considering either Lexapro or Prozac. He did say that she would need to continue therapy on an outpatient basis and encouraged us to seek family counseling, as well.
Again, I want to thank everyone for being supportive of us during this time. I knew that the Kos community took care of one another, but I was completely overwhelmed by the responses I have received. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and, please, continue to keep Bree in your thoughts/prayers/whatever.
Love and gratitude,
Lynne