My 14-year-old son has been depressed for about 8 months (or at least that is when we diagnosed it -- probably for much longer).  We have been getting help from a psychologist and psychiatrist.  He had suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.  These are now largely gone and now both the psychologist and psychiatrist agree that his is no longer clinically depressed, but suffers episodes of depression.  My issue is that while we were dealing with the immediate situation of the depression, we were advised to let him do whatever it took to make him feel better.  This meant that we did not really set limits on his use of the Playstation or internet.  He did not go to school for most of the first semester (7 weeks) and by the end of the semester he was back at school and things seemed to be getting better.    Now, however, we have had a relapse.  He has gone to school 4 times in the last 3 weeks.  He knows that he is likely to have to repeat the 8th grade if he does not go back soon, and in the afternoons, when we talk about it, he really wants to go.  We make a plan each night, but most mornings he is impossible to get out of bed, and refuses to go, instead sleeping until noon.  Then he gets up and wants to watch Youtube or play on the Playstation the rest of the day.  It is a constant source of tension between us.  I have tried a few times to limit these activities - instead encouraging him to do something that will help his situation (exercise, catch up on studying, read a book, write, play guitar, ANYTHING), but he sees it as a "punishment" for not going to school, says I don't love/care for/listen to him, and then threatens suicide.  It is clear to me that he is often using his situation to manipulate me.  I am frustrated that he is refusing to do anything that will make himself feel better.  My view is that if he is not going to school there is no way I can force him but he should not have the "right" to play on the Playstation and watch videos all day.  I would like to get rid of the darn thing altogether, but have been cautioned against doing so by the psychologist. So I would like to limit his use, but it causes so much anger from him (he says I don't trust him, and that my control is making his depression worse), I am not sure the best way to go about doing it.  I wonder if other parents have had a similar issue and if you have any advice.  I would very much appreciate it! ... View more