Depression and anxiety

[Wisebird]

This is an offshoot from the question on temazapan. I am a long term sufferer of depression/anxiety myself and take 20m Cipramil on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, my son seems to have my inherited this genetic disposition from me. He is 21 and has been sufferering since about 16. He is incredibly intelligent and a very deep thinker and analyses everything. This causes him to go into terrible low moods where he cannot eat or sleep and cannot see the point of anything. My problem is them he will not go back for any more medical help as he says he will take take any medication to alter his brain chemistry. I have tried everything I can to help him to see reason, even telling him what an adverse affect this is having on me. This was s totally the wrong thing to do. Can anyone suggest where I go from here. It is so difficult knowing that there is help out there for him, but he will not go out to find it. He is a loving, gentle person and I hate to see him suffer like this. He will not even go to see a counsellor. Although, he does not admit it, think there is an element of fear in his refusal to seek help.

[DOB]

It's OK to rate your own reply if you think it's good enough.

[andy hughes]

Hi Anniekon, very little i can add to my colleagues' messages, except of course my thoughts and support. Your son will hopefully find his own way through the maze, as a parent you want to do your child's suffering for him, and it's so hard when you can't. Hang on, and hopefully some of this support may reach him - show him our posts please! best always. A x

[Wisebird]

Thanks so much Andy. I will have to choose my moment to show him these posts, but hopefully that moment will come. He is a hard working chappie who is now working nights during the Uni holidays to help fund his Music Tech. studies. I don't think this has helped as it has cut him off from all his friends during the last 8 weeks! Your answers are so kind in general, Andy. Thanks.

[smudge]

Hi Anniekon, I posted a reply to you under 'Birds which can't fly'. Hope you have a peaceful night after sleeping all afternoon, you lucky thing! Isn't Andy Hughes a thoroughly nice person?

[Greedyfly]

Tread - carefully (im sure I dont have to tell you this) but he may see it asmeddling or may see it as betrayal - so be prepared.

[Wisebird]

Hi Smudge, Had a really good night's sleep, even though I slept all afternoon. My son is in a lighter mood today and has just gone off with his pals 'skirmishing' (like paintballing, but with BB's - men playing little boys' games) The fresh air, activity and comradeship should help him a great deal. Yes, Andy is throughly nice. What a genuine guy he sounds. How are you on this lovely Sunday morning?

[Wisebird]

Thanks Greenfly. Yes, I know what you mean. I am treading so carefully at the moment, it's like walking on hot coals. However, chatting with such nice people has lifted me and that can only help him. It must me awful for him knowing how badly this is affecting me, especially as he knows I have an anxiety problem. The trouble is also, that I have this guilty feeling. I assume he is like he is because of his upbringing. I was always been quite exacting in the behaviour I expected of him as a child - ie. don't hurt anybody, be careful what you say to people, etc. etc. and I think he has become over sensitive. Sometimes I think he would have fared so much better with a less sensitive mother!