Feeling helpless in a different way...

[JackCuracao]

I'm not sick... but my son is... I had to leave him to travel for work... he is 18... depression/Anxiety the works... I was hoping you all, with your wealth of knowledge and experience, can tell me what I can say to him to keep him alive...

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome! We will certainly try our best!

[Louie35]

Maybe you should find him a therapist, a professional that specializes in young adults. Find some support any way you can, friends, family, someone he can open up to.

[Starrlight]

I think whatever your gut tells you he needs to hear. Reassurance that you are there for him no matter what I think would help.

[Gealtachta]

Hi JackCuracao,Does your son have a friend or relative that can stay with him or at least keep an eye on him? I also agree with Louie35 about finding him a therapist.

The only thing I can suggest which is what I had to do with my daughter at one time. She was in the child and adolescents psychiatric unit, so this is what they suggested to me.

She was 13 though. Lock all pills, razors etc up. I had to check in every hour if she was alone. If she didn't respond I would have to rush home, thank God it never happened! I don't know what your relationship is with your son but you seem like a very caring parent coming on here. I just explained to my daughter I was going to call or text, every so often to make sure she was safe. She knew if she didn't answer in a reasonable amount of time I was going to think the worst. There are so many people on here with lived experience. Some are younger like your son, maybe someone that age could give you insight.

I hope that helps you a little bit.

G

[Chipotle]

Is he well enough to have a support dog? I’m talking one that is trained for him.

[JackCuracao]

Thank you all for your time to respond... Its good to know that I have been doing just about everything suggested so, coming from the real experts, I guess I'm doing all I can... He has some really bad moments but he also has these when I am home with him. The common thread seems to be just staying available. Meetings and just work gets in the way but I will just continue to try my best. THE DOG! Oh God would I love to get him a dog but we live in a tight knit resort where dogs are not permitted plus, I hate dogs. I know, I know, do it for your son. To be honest, this little trip away has had me rethink the dog thing... Maybe? Just the thought for him that it could be possible will put him on cloud nine for a day or two... Thanks again! Please keep them coming no matter how mundane or boring or even repetitive you may think your thoughts are. I will read them all...

[71265 in reply to JackCuracao]

If Not A Dog, Is There Some Other Pet He Could Keep? A Turtle? A Spider? A Lizard? Fish? Encourage His Interests... Does He Read? Movies? Hugs And Positive Thoughts Going Out Your Way!

[Nothing_but_books in reply to JackCuracao]

Service dogs aren't usually excluded in communities. But since you hate dogs, maybe another animal? Having someone to care for can get you out of bed on your worst days.

[Zhangliqun]

Find out what's causing the depression/anxiety. That's absolutely critical.

[Nothing_but_books]

Zhangliqun is absolutely right. A medical check-up to rule out physical causes for the depression is, as he said, critical.

[JackCuracao]

I appreciate all the responses but have to wonder how you all get through life? The replies here seem so basic, no offense... "Give reassurance", "Find a Therapist", "Hide dangerous things", "Get a dog"... This only reinforces my thinking that my 18 year old son is going to need a lot more time to get thru this, if he does at all? We live somewhere, not the US, where mental health help is severely limited. He needs so much more. I am just one week into this 4-5 week period away from him and he is not doing well already. Almost immediately things went bad. I cannot hop a plane and just go home. I am trying to just stay available and open for his calls between work breaks, lunch, night, I think I am staying available but it is still not enough... What does he want me to say? What would YOU want me to say that would make him feel better? Maybe even just something I could say that he can sleep? I'm grasping at straws...