Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

How Can I Help DS?

5 replies

CorItsHot · 01/06/2021 15:51

My DS is 24, has a history of depression and anxiety. He takes antidepressants and they seem to be doing their job. He's not 100% back to his old self but he's getting there.
Until this last few weeks. I noticed distinct change in his mood, withdrawn, sad etc.
I asked what was wrong but he said nothing so I left it.
Last night the floodgates opened, he confessed that a girl he was seeing last year had got pregnant and had an abortion. This week was when the baby would be due and it's Knocked him for six.
He can't stop thinking that he would have been a dad and is really sad about it.
He does tend to over think things.
I'm scared this will set him back into deep depression.
How best to help him?

OP posts:
Deedyn · 01/06/2021 19:48

Be there for him and support him. Let him talk when he wants to and validate his feelings. What a difficult time he’s going through but at least he’s not bottling it all up.

CorItsHot · 01/06/2021 20:33

@Deedyn thankyou, I am doing what you suggest. One minute they are 'friends' next day he's blocked her on all social media.
I'm just here to listen when he wants to talk.
It's tiring!

OP posts:
partyatthepalace · 01/06/2021 20:36

Could you look into him getting some sort term counselling? If he’s an over thinker this may become a rumination loop - he needs some tools to start to move on.

LipstickLou · 01/06/2021 20:46

I am deeply sorry for your son. He is an adult as is the former girlfriend. I am a bit shocked that you have had so few responses. I would definately get some counselling, samaritians, your local church (don't need to be a believer, less queues.) Often people with MH issues seek an alternative family. It doesn't mean they love us less but are trying their 'right fit'. "they want to belong and control the outcome. I have a daughter with MH issues, tis never easy.

CorItsHot · 01/06/2021 20:54

Thankyou for your replies.
He has spoken to a psychotherapist in the past and I did mention seeing her again as he found it helped before.
But she isn't doing face to face at the moment, only face time/zoom and he pointed blank refuses to speak on screen.
And I agree, I think he's getting stuck in a loop.
He does play a sport and there are a couple of the team he gets on well with and goes for a drink with. From what I can see, he puts on a front when he's not at home.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page