My 17 year old son has gave up.

[Imposter2979]

Hello I am looking for advice. My 17 year old son has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and over the last few months has slowly deteriorated and has completely isolated himself. He lives with his father and he has had enough of him and just thinks he is being lazy and has told him to move out. Basically abandoned him. I do not know what to do in relation to helping my son start to care about himself again. He doesn't eat very much, go out or interact with us very often. If we try to gently coax him to do anything he flips out and takes off. If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

[Iluvhorses]

Maybe you could let him stay with you. If not then you could find ways to regularly communicate with him like through text messaging or something. Let him know that you're not judging him for being depressed and that you're here for him. Nothing is worse that having a parent who doesn't try to understand what their child is going through, but you're clearly making an effort so great job in that regard

[sorted]

Tell him you love him every day don`t give up there is always hope!I have a 17 year old who has anxiety and my eldest had both depression and anxiety from an early age- so i know what you are going through.

[anon101]

I think it's quite normal for a 17 year old to become a bit distant from their parents as they mature and find themselves. Get him to do something at a college/university. Something he is interested in. Then maybe he will actually enjoy going there and working towards something?

Also some people are more reserved than others and prefer their own company. I'm 24 now and only just starting to feel confident around others and can be myself. I think in time he will change for the better. But when you label someone depressed they can sort of live up to the label. Try and avoid that and let him get on with things he enjoys.

[bazilbrush6906]

I can relate to your son. It sounds exactly like me with my parents when i was young. The best thing you can do is be there for him and let him know he can come to you with anything. I used to blow up and take off just the same, mainly because i felt like i was alone. Like no one understood me and the more anyone tried the worse it made me feel. Turns out i have bipolar and no one not even i knew hence why i felt disassociated from the world. When he's older and has become more balanced in his own mind all he'l remember is how hard on you it was and how you never abandoned him. It wont sit well for his father though, he'l remember that too.

Hope this helps x

Adam

[Svodantyrie]

As a young male adult going through a similar situation myself I can only say what I believe would help.

It seems to me that your son has given up because he doesn't find his life satisfying enough. Something is missing and it is most likely some variation and excitement in life. It could be as simple as having a hobby, something to do on his spare time. Preferably something that activates the brain, such as archery, martial arts or fencing. I could be wrong, but it is worth a try, isn't it?

Good luck.