How do I help my adult child

[everyonebutme]

My child is a young adult (20) and admits to struggling with life. They are so down all the time, they say they feel numb and have no real close friends. They take comfort in food which is not good and they are over-eating. Any ideas how I can help?

Take them to a GP and get a referral for anti-depressants and/or get them a therapist/councillor.

Unfortunately, from experience, I can say that the only person who can fix it is they themselves.

GP is definitely the first step. Antidepressants can lift the ‘fog’ and make it that little bit easier to manage the thought of life.

Do they live with you, OP? Are they a student, working, or not able to work just now? (Sorry for the questions - not judging but just for context to try and make suggestions).

I sympathise - I have been both the person helping and the young adult struggling. It is bloody tough but it gets better. for you both.

They have been to the GP before and had anti-depressants although no longer on them (their choice). They are a student so at home at the moment although doing some occasional work during the holidays. I have been through some very tough times myself and been to the darkest place so do know what they are going through but just finding it very hard to help.

Counselling specifically CBT to help with negative thoughts. Yoga, walking, swimming, running or another type of exercise. Meditation is a fantastic way to learn to accept negative emotions without reaching to them. Hypnotherapy can be great for reducing anxiety or lifting mood. Do they want to make friends? Have they tried?