Hello, Your 16 year old is suffering from anxiety and depression and is being treated with Elavil and Zoloft. She is still struggling to go to school. She is stressed up. Stress is a natural response of the nervous system to prepare the body when it receives threat by releasing stress hormones from cortisol or adrenal glands. However, it becomes a problem when stress becomes a regular phenomenon, high levels of cortisol can have adverse effects on the body like high blood pressure, sugar imbalance, muscle stiffness, increased heart rate that may make a person anxious or panicky. Thus a person may experience fatigue, pain sleep problems, low immunity, depression or anxiety. She can continue to take the medicines prescribed by her treating doctor, but taking it for a long time may cause detrimental side effects. Along with conservative treatment she needs changes in diet and lifestyle. She needs to be counselled so that the mental imbalance that leads to depression may get controlled. She should get connected to a Physical therapist for CBT, massage therapy, daily stretch exercises, walking or aerobics if required. Give her food that is good for the brain, she can take supplements to provide adequate nourishment for the brain. Lifestyle changes, nutritious home made food and work outs with a Physical therapist will help to manage and control mental stress. Making new friends, outdoor picnics, connecting with the nature, gardening, singing, dancing, cooking or hearing to good music etc., will help your daughter recover soon. Give her quality time and do not overload her with studies or tasks. Let her live, let joy come to her. Give her healthy diet and help her stay away from addictions if any. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician