Worried about son

[Iris2212]

He just seems to be acting strangely. Talking to himself a lot and just seems uncomfortable and panicking more. He is spending more time in his room. He normally gets A*/A in his tests (he's doing A-Levels) but a few times the past year he has just handled them terribly. Broke down and had to go home one time, and another just sat there and did nothing.

He's self-harmed in the past and had ditched some friendship groups before quite randomly although this was a few years ago now.

I just don't know if this is normal for 18-year old or not.

Unfortunately it doesn't sound right. Does he talk to you about how he is feeling? Have the school been in contact? Would he agree to seeing his GP?

He just dodges the question when asked. He's always been a bit irritable and sometimes talked to himself, but it's got worse recently and just seems uncomfortable.

Any ideas on what to do and what may be the issue?

He may be developing a mental illness. I think it's good to keep talking to him and maybe say you are a little concerned about his recent behaviour and that you'd like him to see the GP? The organisation MIND and Young Minds are also good so please contact them as they have lots of experience and resources.

Also, does he take drugs do you think?

I'll try getting them to see a GP but he's just generally quite quiet so I don't know if it would work.

Almost definitely not taking drugs. He's completely against drugs and alcohol etc.

Any idea what the problem might be?

It sounds odd. Could be a phase/coping mechanisms but speak to school. Ask them to access resources for you. Get him to his GP.
Is he speaking to himself or someone else?

If he has an issue the earlier you can get help for him the better. You might have to put up a fight.. There is nothing like enough mental health resources out there currently. I wish you luck

Well he speaks out loud and is definitely not talking to other people.

Thanks for your help/

Sorry what I meant was.. When you ask him about it... Does he say he is talking to himself or is he talking/having conversation with someone else (that isn't really there...) as hearing voices

Ok, that makes more sense.

I'll try to speak but obviously need to find a good way to ask him that doesn't sound judgemental.

It happened in school again. They recommended that he should see the GP.

He was talking to himself. Telling something to shut up and put his hands over his ears. He then walked out of class.

Any advice? In Northumberland, if that helps.