Struggle with DS in crisis: Mental health, self medicating, etc

[notaflyingmonkey]

DS(18) has Autism and has been going through a mental health crisis for probably the best part of a couple of years. However it has become very acute over the last 9 months or so. He self medicates with weed. He lies constantly to the point that I don't even know if he knows when he is lying. I spend every day worrying about him. DH and I struggle to know what to do for the best.

I have been everywhere for help, and got nowhere.

I am scared and alone. There are times when I have considered suicide myself as I know that there are times when my actions increase everyone's anxiety.

I am jealous of other people's kids, as they pass their driving tests etc which means I can't talk to anyone about all this as I am fast becoming a crazy lady who is best avoided.

Counselling didn't seem to make any difference. CAMHS were so useless it was almost laughable. I've looked into rehab but it costs £1,000s which I just don't have.

It shouldn't be this hard to get help.

Hi notaflyingmonkey we've had experience of CAMHS before and I agree they are worse than useless. I am wondering if you could copy your post onto the special needs board as well as here, I am sure there are many going through the same.

Do you have any support from family? This sounds horribly stressful (to say the least). I think you should see the GP to ask for support for you. Do you get much of a break from all this? I know what you mean about being jealous of other people's kids, understandable given the circumstances....I know someone who has a ds who is socially adept, talented, top of the game academically, has a part time job...then she tells me I worry too much about my ds!

I am sure you may have tried this organisation - my ds is struggling, I contacted the YoungMinds website; a family psychotherapist rang me and I spoke to her for 50 minutes. It has at least given us a few pointers to try with ds. It struck me a conversation with the professional I was speaking to would cost over £100 if we paid for her advice.

Does your ds have any interests/hobbies? Does he stay in all the time?

Thanks for responding trimmer. I'm glad you had a good experience with YoungMinds, I didn't, but may try again on the basis of what you've said.

DS has no hobbies other than listening to Drill music and getting scammed on the internet.

I posted on the special needs board a few weeks ago and didn't really get any responses.

The only family I really have is my DM who has dementia.

What exactly is he smoking? If it's skunk, that's enough to totally fuck up your mental health, even if he'd been mentally healthy to begin with. It will also react badly with any other mh medication he may be on.

Can your gp refer him for counselling through the local drugs service? Most drug users have mh issues so there is sometimes good support through this avenue.

Definitely get him help with the drugs problem first.