stress/anxiety

[pittsburgh]

my son has come back from afghanistan and is suffering extreme anxiety and depression. He has never had any of these symptoms before and it is very worrying. Apart from weekly trips to the docs, can anyone give me tips on how to help and cope with this horrendous situation which my family are going through. thank you

[bonbon28]

All I can say is just be there for him, listen to him, support him and give him time. Try not to push him to talk he will talk in his own time.

Best wishes for you and your family.

[taichiperson]

Try Bach's rescue remedy, available from health food shops, etc. My son went through panic attacks and anxiety at the age of 16, and this did help. If you like the idea of alternative medicine, try homeopathy. A combination of this and some counselling seemed to ease my son's problems.

[rabbitygirl]

Dont let things get too serious. Assume your son is a serviceman. I support the charity Combat Stress who do a great job offering support and residential care for forces personnel (and ultimately their families) who suffer the after effects of being in war zones. Their staff are experts in such problems. www.combatstress.org.uk or e-mail
[email protected]. The only phone number I have to hand is 01372 841693. They should at least be able to offer advice.

[bigmamma]

I feel for you and your son , having a son in the forces is no picnic and a constant worry Ive no doubt. He will need all the support and time to get over this post traumatic combat period. He has been through a lot of noise , danger , sights and constant combat readiness over there and now he needs time to wind down . All the best love :-) xx

[Lonnie]

Years ago, 1967, I came back from Aden, and went through something similar, no support then, these things were'nr recognised, but I fully sympathise and empathise with your families and your predicaments.

Luckily, I recognised what was happening, and went to see a Hynotherapist, he helped me to understand and come to terms with it, maybe your son can try something like that, but, be warned, he'll have this locked in his mind forever.

The best treatment, as much as possible, would be to keep his mind occupied as much as possible, and when he's at home, try to have someone with him, to that end.

My thoughts are with you and your son, a brave man, and in my book, a Hero.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

[pittsburgh]

thank you all for your suggestions and very kind messages of support. we are taking one day at a time at the moment which is hard and heartbreaking, but im luckier than most as we have him safe. I am listening to all suggestions. thank you all again.