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Looking after ourselves

LITAF
New Contributor

Coping!

My older teenager son is struggling with depression and anxiety, he has ADHD, is on the spectrum and has had challenges in his life, but this is different now. It is changing him from this beautiful and caring young man who had so much planned to just a shell, who goes through the motions of life - just.  We are seeing all the specialists and hes on medication, but i don't know if anything is helping. I have begun to struggle to cope. Right now i feel like i have a child with a terminal illness, I am losing him and it breaks my heart. I stay strong when im with him but i cry all the time and can barely focus on anything else. 

3 REPLIES 3
tyme
Community Lead

Re: Coping!

Dear @LITAF ,

 

I hear you are doing what you can to cope with the 'loss' of you son. As much as he is still with you, I read that his former self is no longer there and he has retreated to himself and isolated himself. 

 

Teenage-hood can be a struggle for many, let alone someone who has to manage the challenges that come with ASD and ADHD. 

 

You mention he is on medication. Is this medication for ADHD or for depression/anxiety? It may be worthwhile speaking to your prescribing doctor. Struggles with emotional regulation can come with ADHD, while social challenges can come with ASD. Hence, this may all contribute to your son closing up.

 

Mental health does not mean you will never have your former son back. For now, it's about finding ways to support yourself through this so you can be there for your son when he needs it most. 

 

Have you tried speaking to him about what is going on for him?

 

Please take care @LITAF . We are sitting with you.

Former-Member
Not applicable

Re: Coping!

Hi @LITAF   @tyme 

 

My saying is Strong people still Hurt.

So hard for you being the Strong one supporting your son, maybe advocating at doctors etc.

So time consuming.

I hope this forum gives you a bit of a break.

We all need to vent.

You sound so devoted to your son and he is lucky. Regardless of him realising.

Many we assist do not comptehend our effort.

But we care out of love.

Great to see your effort

Paperdaisy
Peer Support Worker

Re: Coping!

My heart breaks for you @LITAF but it doesn't mean it's all over, although it may feel that way right now. With the right support mental health can improve and it sounds like you are going to do everything you can to support your Son. Sitting with you 💝

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