How do you support a depressed adult child?
My son is depressed. He lives about 20 miles away and has his own business--suffering since he was treated for cancer in 2019 and since the pandemic because he makes a large part of his sales at conventions...of which there are none. He's been on anxiety meds for more than 3 years. He has a contract job now, but the graveyard shift is hard. He doesn't want to me to give him money, so I asked him to work part-time for me, mostly things he knows how to do, others that would be useful skills for his business. But the website that was supposed to be done by March still isn't done, he hasn't been interested in any of the other aspects of the job, feels badly about it all but just can't get anything done. A lot of garbage has happened, as it has to everyone, and I thought I'd been supportive, certainly not critical: The world has gone to hell in a hand basket. All our lives would be better if only we'd known.
But I don't know what to do. I feel like he's sinking further, and I can't call him back; I have nothing more to offer that would help.
So I'm asking for help on the internet (yeah, that'll work). If you know how you'd like to be supported by your mother, please let me know.
I'm going to bed now, because I just can't take any more today--just had my Covid booster; he had his last week--and it's just possible he's not the only depressed person in this family.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Also making a gratitude journal can be helpful.
Get him to a therapist! Talk to the doctor who rxs his meds! Doc might not be authorized to speak to you, but can listen.
Healing vibes on the way to you both! 💗💗💗
On Edit: depending on your state laws, involuntary commitment might be possible.
To the best of my knowledge, insurance does not cover this superb modality of treatment.
