My teenage son...

[S1964S]

I'm new to mumsnet so i don't know if this is appropriate but i really need some advice. My son age 17 nearly 18 and he is in lower sixth.

We live in a house with only us two, he is a good kid but we rarely speak. He has been seeing councillors, psychiatrists and doctors to do with his issues (psychosis and the doctors speak of bipolar but i don't think they have diagnosed him due to his age). The thing is as of late i have become very worried about him, he has been missing school and i have no idea where he is at all. He always apologises if he misses school, brings me a cuppa and just tells me he is okay. I want him to be able to open up to me because he is really struggling at the moment and i cant help because he doesn't let me in.

S.

Have you talked to him about talking to him if that makes sense? Sometimes it is easier to talk when you are doing other things (driving, washing up) so you aren't looking at each other. Or maybe you could write each other notes. not massive essays but little cards.
I know that when I saw a psychologists and councillors I didn't want to talk about things at home at all. It takes a lot of time to process what you are talking about in these sessions and the independent person is much easier to talk to than your partner/mum etc.
You can also start chatting about other things.. general chit chat about the weather and what's on the telly. Just to let him know that you are there and open to chat.

Hope you are both alright,
k

If he is suffering with suspected bi polar and psychosis, then normal things like simply attending school will be very hard for him. Presumably the school are aware?

When I was depressed around his age with eating disorder the last thing i wanted to do was talk about it with my parents, but just knowing they were there for me and cared was very important.him know you love him and will on matter what.

stupid phone.
just that if he knows you are there for him no matter what, helps.