Adult child’s depression
One of my adult children (20) has major depressive disorder and severe anxiety. He is struggling greatly just now. Really, always. We can’t get him to go to school or get a job, or even to leave the house most of the time. He’s in therapy regularly, and was hospitalized last fall. I feel like having purpose, like a job, would help. But he thinks he needs to get better first. I think he may need to be hospitalized again first, though. It’s hard being a mama sometimes.
I’m sorry to hear that about your son. That must be a stressful situation for the whole family, especially you. I’m speaking from the perspective of a young man:
I wonder what he thinks needs to get better before starting school or a job?
Is it trauma that he experienced as a child? That could even be bullying or abuse or anything alike.
If it is not, what is he grateful for and what gives him meaning and a sense of purpose. These are questions he must reflect upon. Therapy and pumping him up with pharmaceuticals at a clinic will only alleviate symptoms perhaps but not the depression itself. It’s important that he talks with you and that you are open to hear anything he says, no matter how unpleasant it sounds.
Also depression comes about in many people when they see no hope, no future only utter failure. Help him see that there is always another way. That can be online schooling, a job that is not overwhelming but meaningful etc.
i hope this helps.
