Hi, Robbi.  I can understand your concern because I have a son who gets depressed easily, as well, and who has even tried to end his life.

The truth is, he's an adult and he has to be the one to get help if he needs it.  It's very difficult to motivate someone and if it doesn't come from within, it's not going to last long.  I think you can let him know that you're there for him, maybe suggest he get some help if he's not already seeing a professional.  My son tends to stop taking his medication if he just feels he doesn't need it and even though he spent his teenage years in therapy, he won't go back on a regular basis.  I try to help him see reality when he's totally down on himself and doesn't believe anything will ever work out right for him.  I'm never sure if he's taking it in or tuning me out, but that's all I can do.  He knows we love him and want to be there for him, even if he doesn't want to talk.  I try not to ask too many questions or butt in unless I think he's really headed down the wrong road and even then, he has to be the one to see it himself.

I know it's not easy, but try to focus on things that make YOU happy.  You can only do so much for someone else, hold out a hand and hope he'll take it.  Nobody I know has ever stopped worrying about their kids, even when they're well into adulthood and middle-age!  Hopefully, your son will figure out what he needs and wants to do, but it will be on his own timetable.  I hope you can turn your worry over to a higher power and let it go - easier said than done, I know.

Let us know how things go and take care of yourself in the meantime.

Robbi

12/ 9/10 1:31pm

Thanks Judy, U are right!  I told him yesterday, he needed to go back to therapy.  He said sure but kinda turned me off as we continued to talk.  We figured out too he may have seasonal depression.  When it is gloomy he is depressed.  I am a psychotherapist and I have seen cases but he needs to find out for himself a diagnosis.   So I will turn to God and ask him to help me not worry and focus on my own situation.  I have a lot going on but fortunately, I am now finding some relief for my chronic pain. I am thankful because I started to get a pump and I prayed and prayed.  Finally, after all these years in pain, the answer is no pump and I am on a pain med that is pretty good and sleeping too.  Also, yesterday I went back to my therapist for my depression. I stop when I think I am all better then depressed again and it will take 2 months to get an appt. so I think I will stick it out this time.  Thanks again Judy.  Robbi

Judy

12/ 9/10 1:54pm

You are welcome, Robbi.  I'm glad you've found a solution for your pain - I know I get crabby as heck if something hurts and don't know how I'd take it if I had it all the time.  Good luck with your son and I wish you the best.