Son diagonised with depression and sucidal thoughts.

[SunshineAutumnday]

HI,

Sorry for the spelling mistakes. My son has recently been diagnoised with depression and sucidial thoughts as well as self harming. We have our first CAMHS appt tomorrow as his doctor is very concerned about him.

I can't believe this has happened to my lovely sweet boy. We have open chats and through direct questioning last week this all came to light.

I feel so lost, my husband also has depression and I just feel exhausted. I worry every morning that when I open his bedroom door it'll be something awful.

There's so many emotions and thoughts running around my head. We're trying to support him the best we can. It's just hard.

I go back to work on Friday and am alittle relieved but also scared I'll break down.

sorry just a ramble of words and emotion.

I'm so sorry you're going through this: I personally haven't had the experience with a child but with my brother.

It's so incredibly hard as you can't help the way you so want it! Or at least that's the hardest part for me. I can't get inside his head and fix it. But I can be a source for positivity, consistence, reminders and love.

The biggest thing is patience! It's going to be so hard for you but even harder for him: let him see you be there. Understanding. Don't push too hard, but keep it consistent.

From my experience with my brother and my mother's side of things, he found it frustrating when we were being "fake" over the top etc. of course more support is required but I was also still his annoying big sister and I think he liked that normality,

Again this only from my experience so take it as that please! I wish you all the positivity I can.

I'm so sorry. Someone close to me completed suicide and it was horrendous.

I'm really pleased you have such an open and supportive relationship. You should be proud.

Do you have access to advice and support? Some work places offer mental health first aiders and some even offer free counselling sessions through employee assistance program.

Just keep checking in with him. Ask him if there's anything you can do to support him. He might want space or he might need more reassurance.

You haven't said how old he is? CALM Zone is a fantastic mental health charity and have lots of online support. Just google them.

Please be kind to yourself as you're dealing with a lot.

Thank you both for kind words and sorry that you've been similar.

He's 17, we have access to CAMH and have our first appt then.

Very good tip about talking to work, I will speak with them.

thank you, again.

I'm so so sorry you are both going through this. When I was struggling (twice) what I found kept me going was my family being there for me nonstop (which you are) and relentlessly reminding me it will get better. Even if it doesn't seem like it there is a way (and I am now better).

sending so much love

@arlequin so sorry you've been through this twice and thank you for replying. It's good to hear us being there is helping him in some ways.

I realise how little I know about my son and can't begin to comprehend how hard this has been for him and how brave he has been. We've heard some difficult things the last few days. All we can offer is our love and empathy.

thank you again.