Following my post a month ago re my son's depression following his severe brain injury in November 2013, I thought I'd report some progress... He had definitely lost his mojo - and his sense of humour and motivation - when I last posted and it was sad that he just couldn't see the progress he was making.
He went on holiday with his friends and coped really well - also had to cope with managing his Type 1 diabetes and four injections, plus blood tests, each day. But coming home to 'real life' was hard and despite the great time he had on holiday, he sunk a little more low.
In the last few weeks things have begun to change... his lovely smile and comic sense of humour have returned and now he's beginning to fight back. He has avoided, for months, all of the things that make him feel sad - his lack of coordination, balance, rythym. Now, he has started running in the local park each day and the results are already clear to see. When he returned home yesterday after running I think I even saw a little smile... He said " I know it won't happen immediately... But I have a little hope now ". In the summer we had practised hopping and jumping by playing hopscotch in the garden and now he has started 'standing jumps' which require a fair bit of power. He has started writing small exercise programmes for others (he was a Personal Trainer before his accident) and he practices on me! (I need it after nearly two years of no exercise).
The Citalopram has probably kicked in now (although it has been slow) but, alongside this, I think he is beginning to acknowledge his accident and realise how far he has progressed.
I'm so proud of him (we all are and we tell him) and, although he still has some major obstacles to overcome, I have a little twinge of excitement in my tummy at the thought of the future and what he will make if it.
Fantastic, it's so hard watching someone you love with depression. He's on the up now, there may be a few faltering steps on the way, but I'm sure he will be fine, with y behind him to point him in the right direction. Good luck.
My son has just started his 2nd year at uni, no brain injury, but fighting the depression he faced in his first year. He went back with such positivity, and it's just disappeared again, I am travelling down to see him tomorrow and see what we can do, don't you just feel like shaking them!!
Take care Janet xxx
Love and hugs to your son too x
Thanks Janet. I do hope your son is okay. My eldest son has gone back to university to retrain as an Occupational Therapist and despite his age (36) still is coming to terms with the overwhelming 'hit the ground running' requirement. All new things can be really scary can't they.. For all of us.... We need confidence and that doesn't come overnight sadly.
x