DS is depressed and in denial.
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| Fri, 03-08-2013 - 12:47pm |
Many of you already know our story of angst with our DS, 19, freshman in school. No motivation for school, acts like he's depressed but says he's not. Always has lots of friends, although ones that I'm not crazy about. Anyway, since he was 14 he changed. He used to be loud, smiling, laughing, full of life. But then in 8th grade things started to fall apart, and got worst thru high school. Anyway, things are bad in college, he's on academic probation and i KNOW he wants to succeed..but he CAN'T. I 100% think he is clinically depressed and has been for awhile. He just is adamant he's not, so we kept hoping he'd mature, grow up and whatnot. But things are worse. I know he's skipping classes. He's home right now on spring break and is in bed until noon, then says he's tired at 4. He has gained 30 lbs in 1 year (stress eating I think), he got caught shoplifting last fall in a major department store, he's unmotivated, he never smiles, he's withdrawn from his immediate family, I'm sure he's filled with guilt. when you look google teen depression he's the shining example. so, after 5 years of being wishy washy, walk on eggs around him I finally brought the subject up kindly, but loud and clear yesterday. He was irritable, wouldn't engage in conversation (he's not a talker anyway, but part of it was defiance).
Really, if he could have shot daggers at me he would have. After the discussion he went to his room and I woke him up after 2 hours. His father had a discussion with him last night and he was more respectful (of course, don't we Moms get the crappy attitude?) He denies there is anything wrong, acts like he's being punished, doesn't offer up much in discussion. We told him when he comes home for the summer, (whether he's excused from uni or not), we would like him to go to therapy and even perhaps med, but first see what's wrong. You could tell he would, but that he was being forced.
Anyway, I'm going to find a doc and go visit him myself first. We really don't know what else to do. The Vyvanse he is on for ADHD (which he's not inattentive) really isn't working. It is a stimulant, so it does "wake" him up whenever he takes it, but it isn't doing much else. We are at our wits end. He has such a blah, sluggish personality. It's like he hates being around us, avoids us at all costs. He really don't like being around someone like him, either, if truth be known.
anyway, I just needed to vent today. Anybody else been in this situation? Con
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Sorry - I don't recall - did he choose this university? (my son did but then still did better switching to one that was a better fit) Does he have a major that he feels passionate about? Is he taking anything of interest or just core classes? (I told ds to take a mix so he'd at least feel like he's taking some in his field even knowing it might take a few years to finish core - I knew he'd like it better that way) Is the atmosphere of the school a good fit now that he's been there? Maybe he feels that if he chose it but it's not a good fit, that he'll just never succeed in college, vs. trying a better fit - ? Does he have any good friends there or does he feel like he's alone? Does he fit in there? Has he talked to counselors at the U to see if he's in the right major? Just throwing some ideas out there.
Sue
Aww Con I'm sorry. I've been thinking about you and wondering if he's been able to pull things together this semester. I think you are right in insisting he get help. I'd recommend he get a full physical first and then get a referral to a therapist (unless you already have one you like). Unfortunately if he feels he's being 'forced' to go he may not be very receptive to counselling but it does sound like he could benefit from it. Is the regular family doc someone he likes and trusts? Perhaps if the suggestion comes from him it will help. Many hugs coming your way.
No advice from me, you received some good stuff already. I hope that he gets a physical first. My dad has always dealt with depression, I know it is difficult. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.
Ramona Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!
Thanks everyone. He did have a physical last week while on spring break. I have a call in to the doctor for some references to psychiatrists. I know how much he will hate this...who wouldn't, especially if you think there is nothing wrong with you. I think I'm going to do a visit first, and discuss with the doctor all the issues and their recommendations. How do they diagnose, how do they deal with people who are in denial, who aren't talkers, etc. I just see his personality really being a detriment to him long term. I know for a fact he can't stand the thought of having to take medicine to be "normal". But, if that is the route, maybe feeling good and finding some joy will change his mind. My Dad suffers from undiagnosed Bi-polar, and I know some level of depression. I didn't understand what was wrong with him until I was an adult and aware of these mental disorders. He's really made a mess of our family life, and I still don't like to be around him...he's been such a miserable man..then he acts all manic and happy,. It's bizarre, and now I understand it. Of course, he has always thought there is nothing wrong with him. That's why I'm so insistent with DS. I really don't think he's bipolar (believe me, i never see mania), but I recognize the unhappiness, or rather lack of joy. Wish us luck. He went back to Uni yesterday, already the atmosphere has changed in the house.
I don't have anything else to add, but sorry things aren't going well.
Sorry I can't offer any advice, but I can say that I'd be doing what you are--encouraging him to seek counseling, probably on campus first if he'll do it. Friends can make a big difference. When our DS23 was in HS and a follower, I noticed a definite change in his disposition when he came home after spending time with certain friends of his. He was a non-talker like yours, and that makes things even tougher for us parents. I did demand back then that he see a counselor psychologist (2 or 3 visits?) even though he thought it was a stupid idea, and I think it helped shore up his self-confidence after it had been shaken by the poor choices he'd made. The psych was one my boss recommended--don't be afraid to ask around. Sending lots of hugs to you both...
(Edited to clarify that it was the psychologist DS saw who I think helped, and not some other type of counselor. After he'd admitted to drinking the school req'd that he see an addictions counselor and that was usleless, as was anything he heard from the guidance counselors at his HS.)
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Actually, we are in *exactly* this situation with our 12yo. We sent him for psychoeducational testing, which uncovered a very significant learning disability and - his biggest problem - depression. This was sad but not surprising. In our family, only 18yo DD has never received counseling and/or medication for depression (even though I'm a real "glass is half full" type, I have very bad PMMD and take 10mg of Prozac for two weeks of every menstrual cycle).
Everything you described sounds like someone who is depressed. However as DH would say, depressed people usually don't want to deal with their own depression, because it would require effort. It is probably going to require that you take him to a therapist and make sure the therapist works closely with a medical doctor who can prescribe medication.
When my sister started taking Zoloft in her late 30s after a lifetime of depression, she said it was like she suddenly understood what everyone meant when they talked about happiness. She'd never been really happy in her whole life. What a sad thing, to have gone so long without knowing happiness. I thank God all the time that she was able to find it with the help of Zoloft.
Don't let any more time go by. . . your son needs help. I wish you all the best with it. I know you've been through so much already.
I mean pdoc sees 30 patients a DAY, 15 minutes each.
That does seem to be the case with many psychiatrists. 20yo DS sees a regular therapist but she referred him to a psychiatrist for anti-anxiety meds. It seems like the psychiatrist's job was to focus strictly on alleviating anxiety in this instance, since the therapist can't prescribe medication. DS fought this for years but finally realized he really needed to do it. When he compared it to his asthma medication, I knew he was starting to see how it can help him function like everyone else does.
12yo DS sees a neurologist for a severe and rare form of migraines, and the neurologist can prescribe anything his friend the psychologist thinks he should. DS already takes daily medication for migraines. Neither of these doctors take my health insurance, but what am I earning money for if not to help my kids grow into the people they were meant to be? Who needs a new kitchen when DS has been cooking in this one for 18 years?! ;)
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