Answered questions(3)
How can I help my depressed son?
My son has become isolated over the last decade or so and I believe he is depressed but I do not know how to help him. He is 32 now and he does not have any real friends or social life. He had a steady girlfriend that lasted for a few years after the end of high school but nothing since then. He comes over for dinner with us on Sunday nights. It used to be like clockwork but lately he has been skipping visits here and there. I have tried to get him to come over more often since we are retired and have lots of time but he says he is too busy with his programming work. This does not really make sense since he barley makes ends meet. Since he started coding at home in his twenties he has forgotten how to be social in the regular world. I suspect he is depressed since he seems apathetic about everything and he does not take as much care into his appearance as he used to. To be frank, it smells like he has not showered for days when he comes over. When I try to press him on how he spends his time he gets defensive and retreats into a shell and when I tried to get him to talk to someone and I said I would pay for it he got very angry and upset and left early. This was last week. I wish I knew how to help him break out of this but I just don’t. What is my next good move?
Read answer →How can I get over my wife's passing?
I can’t get over my wife’s passing. She died of cancer a year ago last Tuesday. The anniversary was hard. My daughter wants me to see a psychiatrist because she says I am depressed. I am sad and I am lonely but under the circumstances I do not see why this is inappropriate. I know if I initiate this I will end up with a prescription for an antidepressant. There seems to be something perverse about taking a medication to erase sadness about my wife’s passing. I am not sure what to do.
Read answer →Tips for looking after yourself whilst caring for a depressed family member
How do I keep sane whilst helping my adult son with depression
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