The depressed young adult Looking for advice from anyone who has gone through this... My son,...

SlippingAway · 46-50, F

I do suggest the same things therapist said, exercise really does help with depression and anxiety for me. It doesn't have to be intense even just walking can make things better. Also look into his diet, eating healthier more whole foods has an impact on my mental health too. I am sending good vibes your way and I hope he starts feeling better soon.

Jenny1234 · 56-60, F

I haven’t been in that situation with my kids, but my girlfriend is in that situation with her daughter.

It’s great that he got up and went to class today.

Why is he not on any medications? I can understand some people‘s concerns about long-term use, but when someone is that severely depressed they really should look into being on medication to get them over the hump at the very least.

Infamous607 · 51-55, M

I thought hard about this. i don't know how clinical or severe your son's condition is. So I'm only talking to you from the point of view of my own experience.
But, AGAIN, this is my experience, having someone fully supportive and never holding me accountable didn't work for me. All I did was to lean more on that person and on my woe poor me.
It took some harsh words for me to sorta start seeing that I was just afraid and feeling sorry for myself and making everybody around me miserable.
Look, whatever he's going to do it and you can't stop him.
Depression not only attacks the victim but holds everybody around hostage.

urbancowboy · 56-60, M

The only thing I can suggest for his depression is to engage in regular physical activity, get on a healthy diet and connect with others who have the same symptoms, mindfulness exercises will work too. Also, engaging in hobbies and spending time in nature would be helpful as well. Good luck

Ontheroad · M

Here is what I found with on of my stepdaughters... medications. Trying to fight anxiety and depression is a hard, sometimes impossible road and medications (while also getting therapy) can help just enough so you can begin to take control back from the anxiety and depression.

cherokeepatti · 61-69, F

I don’t know if you have considered it but a naturopath may be able to help if he is motivated to go along with it. Many times neurotransmitters can be balanced with a diet that creates a healthy microbiome in the gut and can creates something called butyrate that creates GABA which is the master neurotransmitter helping to balance out all of the others.

Lizy0910102883837373 · 18-21, FNew

He is trying, so it means he doesn’t give up yet.
I’m sure it’s hard for him, but what he needs is someone to be there for him.
Just like you, his mother and maybe some friends who could support him through the hard times.
It’s never easy, but I believe in your son.
💪🏻

thisguy20 · 41-45, M

Physical activity can be a big help.

The best advice on dealing with being down I've ever heard / encountered is to find something which brings joy (think a hobby) and find a way to work that into the daily routine

TexChik · F

His therapist isn't doing him any favors if your son is expressing his wish to die. He needs to be under the care of a psychiatrist and go through a complete medical workup to rule out any organic causes of his depression, and then move forward with meds in a hospital setting so they can keep tabs on his liver and kidney function. At the same time, they determine which drug and how much will be effective for him. Unfortunately, it's come to that. You can apply for a durable power of attorney on his behalf (consult your attorney), which can be vacated later by a judge once he recovers and no longer poses a threat to himself.

onrealityofdreams · M

Journaling and regular exercise are two very good suggestions because both give your son the feeling of being in charge, of being in control. Journaling is an outlet and regular exercise gets the body and mind in motion.
You can encourage him. Don't shame him but encourage him.

davidcook · 31-35, M

I'm so sorry your son is going through this. Encourage him to practice simple yoga poses like Cat-Cow, Child's Pose, Seated Forward Fold, and slow Sun Salutations. Combined with deep breathing and a short walk outside, these exercises can alleviate anxiety, relieve stress, and gradually improve mood.

sciguy18 · M

As someone who has dealt with this my whole life, it’s great that he’s open to therapy - and meditation. I wish him a better outcome than mine.

JesseInTX · 51-55, M

If he’s making statements that strongly about wanting to die then you might consider calling your local law enforcement agency and requesting a Crisis Intervention Team unit to come talk to him. He may need to be taken to a hospital for evaluation on an Emergency Detention Order for his safety.

Cantsayno · 51-55, M

To over simplify it. Just keep trying, I hope it works out for him and you.
Depression is no joke.

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

Is it caused by something specific? Something that is going on in school? When I was 19, I had a lot of stress in school, to the point that I imagined that it would be easier to just be run over by a truck so I wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore. My reason was that I felt too stupid for the school I went to.