Dealing with depression

slleader

I need some good advice on how to deal with this.

My 22 year old son's best friend passed away in a car wreck on June 4th, and ever since he has not been himself. He came to me last week and told me that he has been considering suicide. I took him to a psycologist the next morning who did an evaluation on him and diagnosed him with severe depression, contacted out family doctor and had Celexa prescribed for him. By Sunday he was even worse, and yesterday morning I took him to the hospital, where they admitted him to the Mental Health Unit. We are only allowed to visit him for an hour in the evening, and when we went last night he begged me to bring him home.....it was the worst moment of my life leaving that hospital and him behind. I KNOW in my head I am doing the best thing for him right now, but my heart is broken! I do thank God that he had the courage to come to me with this.

Has anyone else had any experience with this? I am supporting him the best I can, telling him how proud I am of him for having the courage to ask for help, reminding him how much we all love him etc. I think the worse thing is as his Mom I want to "kiss it and make it all better" and it is killing me that I can't!!

laserturkey

I have been through something very similar with my son, though he was quite a bit younger at the time. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to help your son. In time and with proper treatment, these really horrible memories will fade and your family will be on to a happier future. It takes those meds time to work, and sometimes they have to try different meds until they find the right one. We have finally figured out what works for my son, and it is such a blessing! We go faithfully every month or so to do a meds check, and it's a family effort to make sure he stays on track taking them every day.

Stay strong. You WILL get through this. There WILL be better times ahead.

sandyjeffery

I really wish I had some good advice for you. I know though that by your son coming to you, he was reaching out for help and it sounds like you did the right thing in getting him that help. I know it is hard to hear him beg to come home and then have to leave him there, but hopefully things will get better quickly and he will understand that although his best friend died, he has to move on. Maybe if he likes to read, you could get him this book - Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton. This book really helped me when a loved one of mine died. It explains what happens when a person dies and goes to heaven. It is very comforting to know that our loved ones are still with us all the time and that we will be re-united with them again some day. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. I hope everything works out for the best and things get better very soon. God Bless!

Raignbo

I only speak from personal experience because I have been there myself. Keep offering support and allow him to know that you are there. IF you notice that the medication is not working for him or even he complains that it is not working, please, please, please see his doctor and have the doctor either change meds or change the dosage. Medication, if not correct, can lead to more issues. Pills, although they work wonderfully at stabilizing the brain, are not miracle performers. Proper medication is a complicated task, dosage, correct pills and he may or may not be taking them correctly. Have his doctor and therapist monitor that as well. Therapy is a must. Stay strong. Remain supportive and things will get better.