This is long but I want to give a full picture: DS is 17 and since last December has had episodes lasting a few weeks at a time where he is just completely physically exhausted. We initially thought he had had a virus over winter that was taking a while to get over but this is still happening.
He has been to the GP surgery 3 times but keeps being told that it is most likely down to 'an emotional issue'. DS is adamant that he doesn't feel down or sad and has completed one of the GP's forms that assesses mood and scored in the lowest band - ie not depressed. GP still only suggests counselling though.
He has had blood tests done for full blood count, thyroid, glucose & glandular fever plus few other things I can't remember right now & everything is normal.
Even school noticed the change in him & he saw a counsellor in school before the exams in May/June but didn't want to go back as he felt they were assuming he was depressed & found the questions a bit intrusive.
He has attended two of the GP appointments on his own & DH went along to one for a bit of moral support but we still don't know what is causing this or what to do next. DS doesn't want to go back to GP as thinks he'll just be told it's an emotional issue again.
His appetite is good & he hasn't lost any weight. He takes a multivitamin every day & an extra Vit D tablet. I asked him about alcohol/drugs & he told me that he has alcohol at parties but no drugs (I realise this may not be the full truth but I've never seen him drunk or stoned when he comes home from a party)
From my conversations with him he says he feels physically achy & just wants to sleep. He doesn't feel sad & has interests & hobbies but feels frustrated that he doesn't always have the energy to do them. He has also cancelled out of some social events with friends because he doesn't have the energy. If he does have a busy/energetic day it seems to wipe him out for the next couple of days.
So, does this all sound familiar to other parents of 17yr old sons? Is this just normal teenage tiredness? If so, how long does it last? I've run out of ideas on how to help him. It was a struggle for him to get through his exams so I don't know how he'll cope with Yr13 if this isn't sorted out.
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DS 17 - is something wrong or is this normal?
35 replies
Sottosopra · 04/08/2015 20:37
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