Sorry in advance for long post. Son changed school for 6th form due to bullying at previous school which affected his MH. Went from quietly confident to withdrawn, isolating self stopped going out/playing sport. Made new set of friends, started to go out a bit then Covid hit so effectively didn’t get to spend much time at school/with them but is always on computer talking to them is happy doing that. Finished school in May has been to a few parties with them since although he never stays over and generally wants picking up quite early. Doesn’t ever make arrangements to go and see them and
despite our encouragement he has never invited any of them home. When asked he says they wouldn’t want to. I have met them when dropping him off and they seem like a nice bunch. Until we gave him an ultimatum a few weeks ago he was basically staying in bed / in his room all day talking to friends on his computer. He has now got himself a part time job which he goes off to happily. Ever since the issue with the bullying he has never been the same. We have tried to get him to have some counselling but he refuses, DH & I have spoken with a counsellor about it but they’ve said if he won’t engage there’s no point. I spoke to gp about concerns
last year,( he became very thin,) who he agreed to see but due to Covid I wasn’t allowed to go in with him and nothing ever came if it. Son just said everything fine. He is sometimes visably uncomfortable when friends or family turn up at home, avoids coming downstairs. Has recently started to close his eyes sometimes if people talk to him. Has no interest in anything else apart from being on computer/gaming. Still thin, still doesn’t have a huge appetite but denies being anxious. he has a place at Uni ( a few of his friends going too) but now saying he’s going to defer but has no other plans. I am worried about him but don’t know how to help him.