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Child mental health

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Could my son's lack of motivation be depression rather than laziness?

2 replies

Pinkflamingo84 · Yesterday 13:02

Hi, this is my first time posting so I hope its in the right place. My son is 18 and currently doing a nursing degree with a foundation year which I'm really proud of. Problem is he is so lazy and unmotivated and I'm getting really frustrated with him. He hasnt missed any days from uni up until the past couple of months as he stays awake all night and sleeps all day, rooms a tip, only meets his friends once every couple of months but speaks to them regularly online, spends a maximum of 4 hours per week with us as a family, doesn't leave the house for anything apart from uni. He's started missing days at uni recently and I'm worried he'll be kicked out. Doesn't have a job and says he applies but hears nothing back. I don't know if he's lazy or is feeling depressed. He does get anxiety but tells me he manages it. I just don't know how to help him. We are very open and he tells me a lot, I always check in with him regarding his mental health and says he's happy sitting in his room not seeing anyone and playing his xbox or watching netflix.

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Kirschcherries · Yesterday 13:31

It might be depression. If he is a wake all night is he gaming or doom scrolling?

If he is open to it seeing a GP they may be able to help.

My first thought is to try and sort his sleep out - it’s not easy and takes time land it may be his age. There are apps and online help to do this as well as sleep clinics.

Pinkflamingo84 · Yesterday 18:14

Thankyou for your advice. I think he should go to the GP but if I bring it up he takes everything as a criticism and gets very defensive, he's been the same since he was little. Hopefully I can convince him. Thanks again

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