Hi justfloating
You hit a note with when you said "Depressives are very good at "faking it" -- smiling and pretending everything is fine. We wear a mask in public and around the people we love." Actually your description of depression pretty much fits me. Most of the time I seem to have things under control. Then there are times when I am "vulnerable" and admit to "myself" things are not all that ok...But then I seem to always pull out of it. Guess just admitting I am depressed is the first step......right?
As for my son, I am not sure. He sleeps way too much. He lacks motivation. But then he seems to do only things he "wants" to do. But then I could be wrong in this thinking. This is why I am concerned about him. Because I see in him things I see in myself that means he may be depressed. Guess he falls in that category as you said "Depressives are very good at "faking it" -- smiling and pretending everything is fine. We wear a mask in public." I just need to find a way to talk to him and encourage him that seeing a therapist could be very beneficial to his well being. And that talking to someone is always helpful. It is hard to find that "moment" that he will be receptive.
We both did "therapy time" for about 5 or 6 years many, many, years ago. Before the divorce and therapy, he could talk to me about anything. Sometimes we would walk the dogs in the evenings and just talk. We actually had a great relationship. Not sure if it was the troubling teen years that divided us, and I can't say that the therapist was "helpful" in keeping our communication/relationship strong during those difficult times.
ANyway...I try talking to him and he always resists. I am not going to give up. I will keep trying. I won't give up on him. He means way too much me. I don't know exactly what is "wrong" or going on with him. I just know something just isn't "ok" with him.