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Karma63
Casual Contributor

Helping son with Anxiety and Depression

I’m new to this and this is my first time. My 23 yr old gay son has been suffering with depression and anxiety since his teens. He has really spiralled down in the last 12 months. He does not live at home and works casual part time jobs.  The last 8 months we (husband and I) have been supporting him financially as he has missed some work due to episodes with his anxiety and depression. Which have landed him in hospital. He has seen so many specialists, psychologists and doctors and but none are hearing his cry for help. He is self harming and has suicidal thoughts and has been to hospital numerous times. I talk to him every day and try to help with advice and asked him to come home so he can work on his mental health, and save money, but he feels that is going “backwards “ I worry so much each day and lately have for the first time sought help for myself and have taken time off work . I have contacted Lifeline for myself and asked for advice. I have spoken to close friends as well but I feel not everyone needs to know everything. There are so many times all I do is cry. There’s so much more that has happened it’s too long. Anyone have any advice or tips ?

4 REPLIES 4

Re: Helping son with Anxiety and Depression

Hi there @Karma63 ,

 

Thank you for posting and sharing what's been going on for you.

 

It sounds like you are worried parents as your son struggles with depression and anxiety. I'm sorry to hear he has been spiralling lately.

 

It sounds like he has reached out for help, but I'm curious around the mention that 'none hear his cry for help'. Can you share a little more about this?

 

It's also important that you get the support you need. If you ever feel you need so speak to someone, you are welcome to contact our SANE counselling line on 1800 187 263 (M-F 10am-10pm AEST).

 

Looking forward to hearing how things go for you.

Re: Helping son with Anxiety and Depression

Hi there Tyme

Thank you for your message.

When I say “none hear his cry for help “ . GP’’s and psychiatrist’s have either laughed at him and sent him away and one psychiatrist advised him he could change from being gay to straight if he wanted and that would help ! So he changed psychiatrist at the same clinic (as he obviously was not happy) and had to pay another consultation fee. The current psychiatrist advised she would dispatch weekly medication to him but did not and went on holidays with out telling him. She could not be reached. He phoned the clinic so many times asking about his medication . They sent emails to his psychiatrist but could do nothing for him in the meantime. I contacted the clinic for him and “hit a brick wall “ no help offered at all. The psychiatrist is now back and I am going with him this week to his appointment the first one he has had in 4 months! This is supposed to be a reputable mental health clinic and it’s not cheap. The public health department only helps for a certain time. And any help is a huge waiting time, He has is currently looking into medicinal cannabis medication. I have been with him for an online consultation with a Doctor . He is hoping this will help with his panic attacks and anxiety.

I am seeking help myself atm  , thank you. I haven’t heard from him today (Mother’s Day ) and I’m worried as usual. Apologies for a long message 

Re: Helping son with Anxiety and Depression

Hey @Karma63 Happy Mothers Day. I hope you hear from your Son soon, hopefully just having a sleep in. I'm sorry to hear how hard things are for you. It sounds like it's all very overwhelming and you are reaching out and trying to get that support for your Son but it feels like nothing is working. 

 

That sounds like pretty awful treatment from a psychiatrist and I would encourage you to make a complaint about them Health care complaints commission  

 

ACON are great, if this is something your Son needs support with right now, you mentioned it in your post, so I thought it might be significant but I apologise if I'm off the mark. They might be able to offer some advice and community support. They have mental health peer work available. 

 

Please keep reaching out 💝

Re: Helping son with Anxiety and Depression

  • Hi Paperdaisy 
  • Thank you for your advice.
  • We are in QLD not sure if Acon can help but it looks good. 
    Have not yet heard from my son today. Hoping he makes it to work this afternoon without a panic attack which happens every day, 
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