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Original poster

So worried please help, DS Mental Health Journey, Part 2 *title edited by MNHQ at OP's request*

267 replies

WhatNowFrantic · 04/02/2020 18:38

I got the last thread deleted as it became quite outing but the support on here has been such a help to me so I've started this thread.
So DS started AD at the weekend and is so far feeling awful, he's pale, pupils dilated, feels anxious and dizzy. I don't think he realises how ill he is.
He's off work so I'm hoping they start to kick in soon. I'm worried he's got too much time on his hands while he's off and don't want him sat thinking.
Of course it's all my fault at the moment as I dragged him to the GP and got him to have time off. He's just not in a good place right now.

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 13/12/2020 17:25

@singtanana thankyou that's so kind. I'm glad you are feeling better now and I hope and think that my DS realises that me and his dad are here for him, always.
@dappledsunshine thankyou, yes noise is good. I didnt realise that until the silence hit.

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 13/12/2020 17:26

Thankyou @MrsRockAndRollFlowers

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 28/04/2021 21:20

Just thought I'd update to anyone who remembers my thread. It's not a great update sadly.
DS was on sertraline for a year, 50mg and all was well, back to his old self.
He decided to half the dose in February and seemed to carry on in a good place.
Then at the weekend he got together with an ex.
Heavy drinking was involved, and I don't know what happened. I sort of get the gist that he wants more than she does (she has just split up with someone)
They were at our house and I heard them having sex and then she got a taxi home. He has seen her once since then but ever since he's been in a terrible place, not eating, not speaking, constantly texting. Someone had to confiscate his car keys as he was trying to get into his car blind drunk.
I'm actually gutted, I've got all the old feelings back, knots in my stomach, worrying that he will do something stupid.
He won't even talk to me now. I cooked him a dinner tonight and he doesn't want it. His appetite is usually huge.
Sorry, just need somewhere to rant😪

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 29/04/2021 07:40

Would also be good to hear from some of the posters who were on this thread, some of your DC were in a similar position. I'd love to hear how they are doing.

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 29/04/2021 13:50

Anyone?

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demolitionduo · 30/04/2021 22:04

@WhatNowFrantic So sorry to hear the update after such a positive few months.

Young love is hard enough to navigate without the added stress of existing mental health worries.

Will he speak to his GP again? I think an increased dose of sertraline may be needed until he levels again.

Thinking of you and hope it's just a temporary blip.

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 30/04/2021 23:38

@demolitionduo thankyou so much for replying.
It turns out the ex was still with her current boyfriend and was just leading DS on. DS is just so angry with everyone,
Since the pubs reopened he's started drinking again which doesn't help atall.
He's refusing to see GP or counsellor. He just wants to die as "everyone let's him down" This is all said after a heavy drinking session.
I admit I'm struggling now.
A week ago he was happy as Larry!

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demolitionduo · 30/04/2021 23:54

@WhatNowFrantic Well she's a delight isn't she?! No wonder he feels so confused and sad.

Is he still not working? I hope you can find him something to focus on to keep his mind occupied. Any home or garden projects you could get him involved with that would provide focus and a sense of achievement?

You must be exhausted with the worry. I am supporting a partner with quite complex mental health issues so I have some idea how draining and worrying it is.
Flowers

JillWoodhead · 01/05/2021 02:11

I was on Citalopram for about 3 years and have just been moved onto 50mg sertraline. It has knocked me for 6 good style. This is week 3 I have been off work, and been really struggling. I also take Propranolol for panic attacks. I just hope it is all worth it

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 01/05/2021 07:33

@JillWoodhead the sertraline worked well for my DS, he had 3-4 weeks of feeling rough so hopefully you will feel better soon. I don't know if DS should go back to 50mg again.
@demolitionduo DS has been running his own business for a year! It's been really successful and up until a week ago he was really enjoying the success. Right now it seems he doesn't care what happens to it.
I've had a restless night, I am so anxious in the morning wondering what mood he's going to be in.

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Maryjane3227 · 01/05/2021 08:02

I'm sure things will get better. You have been to hell and back, but you have kept your son alive. Well done and I wish you both lots of good luck.
Once the 2 to 3 weeks elapse, the ADs will kick in. He will get used to functioning with them, and feel the benefit.
I think young men are so vulnerable, still feeling they have to mask deep feelings and behave with strength all the time. There have been quite a lot of TV programmes on this recently, like one by Professor Green on BBC3. Your son is not alone, it's probably all very rational, the last year has been so stressful and weird.
I think you've done great, and I hope you can get support too.

Onesnowynight · 01/05/2021 08:40

Didn’t want to read and run. I think he needs to think seriously about going up to the higher dose. It sounds like he needs a meds review. So sorry it’s like this after a good year. I suffer with bipolar and the depression aspect is crippling, but well controlled with meds. I can only imagine how unwell he’s feeling.

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 01/05/2021 10:21

Thankyou, he won't entertain going back up to 50mg but at least he's still taking 25mg I suppose!
This morning he is talking to the dog which is an improvement as he's ignored him for a week. Small steps!
He is playing his sport today so will be with friends, but that means drinks tonight😏
We found out this morning that a friend of his that he used to work with tried to commit suicide last night and his hospital. Honestly what is it with these young men? DS can't get his head around it and is worried about his friend, but ironically can't see that that's how I worry about him!

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MrsRockAndRoll · 01/05/2021 22:58

So sad to read this

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 04/05/2021 09:50

Thanks @MrsRockAndRoll
So we had a few glimpses of DS old happy self at the weekend, just tiny bits but it gave me hope.
But this morning he's really down again, he doesn't know why and I hate to see him so sad. I've again asked him to go back to 50mg, even if it's just for a few weeks. I hope he agrees.
He drank alot over the weekend, Fri, Saturday and Sunday evenings. I think he drinks to blank things out but obviously that makes matters worse.
I'm sure he knows this deep down.

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Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 07/05/2021 23:37

DS has attempted suicide tonight.
I'm lying beside him in bed while he sleeps.
I'm numb, I havnt even called anyone.
I know he needs help but this time he doesn't want help.
I know he needs to stop drinking and he needs help but I don't know what to do anymore.

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Pieinthesky11 · 08/05/2021 13:38

Sertraline can have quite strong side effects to begin with, I also strongly suggest taking them after breakfast with atleast a pint of water!! I hope you see this - sertraline can really impact your tummy

demolitionduo · 08/05/2021 14:52

@WhatNowFrantic I'm so sorry to read this and hope by now you have been able to seek appropriate support. If this means hospital admission or more hands on care from a community psychiatric team , then that must go ahead. You can't do this alone and whilst your son might not thank you for the intervention now, he will once he is on the road to recovery again.

Sending you a hug and thinking of you.

Pieinthesky11 · 08/05/2021 15:41

So sorry I didn't read the final post

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 08/05/2021 16:14

Thankyou, DS is ok, he took 200/250mg of sertraline. I know this as I had checked the packet earlier in the day to see if he was running out.
I stayed with him most of the night, today he is sleepy and said he feels sad.
He has asked to see the psychologist who he has seen before, and has agreed to go back up to 50mg.
I really didn't think we would be going down this road again but we will do what ever it takes.

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Pieinthesky11 · 08/05/2021 16:29

I think 200 mg is prescribed as a daily dose, glad he's open to help...have you tried al anon for you to help you, it's for family members of alcoholics so you don't also get ill/over stressed/ so you can have support and identification

MrsRockAndRoll · 08/05/2021 21:49

How awful. Hopefully he will not be willing to get help. How are you both today?

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 08/05/2021 22:44

@MrsRockAndRoll I hope you mean he Will be willing to get help🤔
Today has been up and down, he has slept alot, I've taken him tea and toast and just been there for him. He has had a headache and pain in the eyes, but mostly tired. He says he doesn't know why I'm fussing so much!
He came downstairs briefly for some dinner tonight.
I feel like I need to keep an ear out tonight but hopefully we will all get a good night's sleep.
Thank you for asking.

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MrsRockAndRoll · 09/05/2021 19:20

Sorry that is what I meant! Thinking of you both ThanksThanksThanks

Original poster
WhatNowFrantic · 09/05/2021 20:55

Thankyou
We all had a good night's sleep although every morning I wake up so anxious as to what the day will bring.
DS has had a few moments chatting to us but mostly is silent, head in his phone.
He has agreed to go back to 50mg and has asked to see the counsellor he saw last year.
I've hidden all the drugs in the house (never thought this is something I would have to do!)
I just hope we can see some improvement soon 🙏

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