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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I help my son through depression?

    Related Topics
    Addiction Depression Mental Health
    My son has a history of drug abuse for about 10 years, started with pot and progressed to anything he could get.

    He has now been on the Methadone program for about 14 months and has tried so hard but occasional he does take too many antihistamines or Panafen plus.

    He is very depressed has put on 40 kg and does not want to leave his room, he has no interest in life and all he wants to do is sleep.

    He is on 2 different anti-depressants but I guess they are not working. Can you help me please.
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    Matt Strickland

    Psychologist

    Helping families be their best! Matt provides psychological therapy to help address the underlying causes of difficulties through play, talking and parenting support. Matt has … View Profile

    Hello, sorry to hear about your son's and your family's difficulties. I have a few suggestions and I apologise in advance if these have already been offered or you have tried these. Of most importance is that there is someone remaining hopeful for your son. Given you are seeking some advice, I'm assuming this is you. My view concerning depression is that this results from a lack of hope and that often this means that those around the person experiencing depression need to remain the keepers of this hope. Secondly, I would suggest listening to and validating any emotional concerns your son has or expresses, even if they may not be in keeping with what you feel is reality. Often when emotions are validated they then feel contained and thus more able to be ‘coped with’ and even challenged. Feeling validated also helps people to feel there is someone on their side. You also need your own support network as whilst you are the container of your son's emotions, you need someone to be the container for you! It is also important to seek professional help and this may come in the form of seeing your GP or a psychotherapist. It is likely that you will need to see these professionals before your son will as his desire to do this at the moment may be limited (apologies if this sounds condescending). Whilst this may seem harsh, it is also important not to make things too comfortable for your son. Small amounts of anxiety when our needs are not fully met can be motivating. I hope this has been os some help or has given you something to reflect on. Good luck, Matt

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  • KrazyKat

    HealthShare Member

    If you make the choice to look after yourself, it's difficult looking after a recovering drug addict, I suggest you try attending a Nar-anon group.

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