Sad 14 year old

[Racmactac]

DS is 14 and sad. He says he is unhappy but can't pin it down to anything specific.

He is under pressure from his father to go live with him because that will make everything right again apparently.

I want to get to the bottom of his sadness and don't know the best way of helping him.

Any help?

[elephantoverthehill]

I would seriously consider taking Ds to the GP as it sounds like depression and you might get a referral for counselling.

[Elieza]

Could be the pressure from the father to choose who to live with that’s causing it?
Poor lad, find out what makes him happy and what’s made him sad. Perhaps he’s being bullied and doesn’t know it or doesn’t want to admit it. Have you seen what’s on his phone, may be some clues there? Defo go to doc so you get a referral to the kids mental health people, although the waiting list is long. I don’t think you can self refer, anyone know?

[Grannybags]

School can also help with a CAMHS referral. At his age it could be school stress. Relationships? Pressure from dad or even hormones.

[Racmactac]

Thanks everyone. We've had a difficult few years with various things.

His dad is a controlling arse and has no idea how damaging his behaviour is.

I will try and get him to the GP. It's so horrible seeing him in such pain and not being able to make him better.