[shortandcute]

I'm pretty sure my son has depression. He thinks he might have it too (he's 25). I've tried to encourage him to get some help, but he just keeps saying, "I'll be okay." But now I am getting really worried about him. He has really let himself go, he's putting on weight, is real spacey, and just zones out on video games all day. I am tempted to just insist that he does something, but I have mixed feelings about it. But then, I think--he does live under my roof, and his depression is affecting the household. Would it be unreasonable for me to insist that he gets help?

[~Christina]

Has he always been this way? Has he held a job before ? Has he had a change in any relationships? Does he have friends? You have every right to worry and want him to get help. He will also want to get treatment and help himself.

[shortandcute]

He's struggled with depression for quite some time now. Doctors and other people have tried to get me to get him checked for depression when he was a kid, but I was in denial-which I really regret now. He's had jobs before, but never could hold one down for very long. He's never been in a relationship at all, as far as I know. But he does have a lot of friends, tho.

Am afraid its really hard to help those who do not want to be helped. Am sorry to hear about your son and how he's affecting the whole family.
Have you ever tried a little bit of tough love? 25 is too old to be playing games all day long. He really should be, at the very least, looking for a job. Perhaps you could hold a family meeting and see if you can all decide what would be the best way forward? If your son will not take part, then hold one with the rest of the family. And no, I do not think its unreasonable for you to insist he gets help.

Oh, any chance he is on drugs?

[shortandcute]

I'm not sure if he is or not.