[chinook]

My 20 year old son is going through a roller coaster existence-he is depressed, angry, unable to work much (limited hours),and is obsessed with making sure he knows what his girlfriend is doing all the time.I have stayed up many nights with him, and over the past years have given all the support I can.He has really serious issues re: his dad, and has seen a psychologist last year a few times who was just going to get into that area with him- but my son says that no one can help him with his problems.He has taken a couple of different meds for depression, but went off them because of side effects. Currently, he is on Wellbutrin (one wk. so far). I'm running out of patience- since he won't talk to my husband, I'm the one he talks to, and I don't know what to tell him anymore.

[dexter]

Please continue to urge him to get therapy. You can't force him to do it of course, and it won't be effective unless/until he is open to the idea. But therapy can help, so maybe you can convince him it is worth a try? How does he know "no one can help him" unless he at least tries?

Remember that depression colors his outlook on life and makes his problems seem deep and hopeless. That is what depression does, it makes us see everything in a negative light, so at times there doesn't seem to be any hope at all so it is not worth trying. But it is worth it.

I hope with some time he can open up to the idea of therapy. It may help for you to learn more about depression even if he is not ready to right now. It may give you ideas to help you be supportive to him and may also help you not to be overwhelmed by his problems.

There is a lot of info available on the web, you can start with the homepage of this site. And one really great step you can take is that which you have already taken... looking for some information, support, and better understanding. This is a great community of people and you are welcome here to post questions and/or read about other's experiences with depression. You may also be able to find some local support groups to attend if you are having diffuculty coping.

Good luck, and I hope you will visit here often and that eventually your son can pull himself out of this with the help of his meds and whatever else he may need. Maybe after a few weeks on the Wellbutrin his depression may start to lift enough to realize that there is hope and that there is help available.

Welcome to the forums chinook.

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--http://www.idexter.com

[hamstergirl]

Just keep encouraging him to get help.

With depression, it could be a beautiful, warm glorious summer day. The birds could be singing. The aroma of fresh cut grass could be on the air.

But you can't see that. You're still griping over the fact that it rained three days ago, that's it's going to rain tomorrow. You can't see the positive. You can't see the moment. You don't see the sunshine, you only see the night.

I know. I'm in severe depression right now and I'm getting bombarded with all sorts of messages like that. I don't believe I can be helped either. Until earlier this week, I thought no one was going to help me. BUT I WAS WRONG.
Someone intervened on my behalf and got me what was needed when I could barely ask for help myself. Depression can paralyze you completely.

Your son has to realize there's a problem, but there may be community resources that can help.

Private Message me. I'll see what digging around I can do...it's my speciality.

The offer is sincere. My physical pain never stopped me from helping someone else.

There is a thing more crippling than cerebral palsy: the prison of your own mind.