[billzjr]

I discovered my son is in a state of depression. He is 26, and living with someone in an unhappy relationship. He says he has no friends, feels lost and hopeless. He says he has been unhappy for a long time. I tried to talking to him but he won't open up. He says he would be willing to talk to a therapist but I suspect he tells me that so I will shut up. I am afraid that he is thinking about hurting himself although he has not said so.

its so hard on us as parents when our children are suffering.....your son is showing many signs of depression and you should urge him to make an appointment with a therapist.maybe even help him to set this up.....in the meantime.....why don't you try to guide him to these forums? he'll find many in the same boat as himself and perhaps will not feel so alone.....he would also find folks to talk to who understand.....its admirable that you have taken this step to help him......good luck and let us know how things go......julia

try to get him to a therapist. tell him that a therapist is objective and non-judgmental. good luck and you might talk to someone, yourself. xoxo pat

I found with my brother that doing weekly activities together helped -- like going to dinner on wednesdays or working out together. It gave us time to bond which helped him open up. It also prevented me from asking a thousand questions to try to force him to open up. Just show your love and support regularly.

[billzjr]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am trying to convince him to see a therapist but he has always been shy and withdrawn. I will keep trying and in the mean time send him the link to this forum with the hope he will browse and maybe participate. In the meantime I intend to give him the support he needs, lend an ear and spend more one-on one time with him.

I'd flat out ask him if he is thinking of hurting himself. It will open the door for him to talk about this issue.

Take care of yourself too!

emmy