17 YEAR OLD

[MARIEALICE35]

MY SON NEVER TALKS TO ME HE SAYS HE HATES EVERYONE, THERE IS NO PURPOSE TO LIFE, HOW DO I GET HIM TO OPEN UP TO ME

[althepal39]

I am so sorry if I upset you!! Trust me though - there is nothing to forgive yourself for!!!!   You couldn't help being depressed more than you could of helped having any other disease!! PLEASE - don't blame yourself!   All you can do is take good care of yourself and of your son - get counseling, get medicine, talk about how you feel, try to do things that bring you enjoyment.  Be PROACTIVE - don't look into the past - it  is done and over - just do all you can to get better now and to make my life more enjoyable for both of you.     You sound like a very good mother who is concerned for her son - I wish you all the best!!!!  

[MARIEALICE35]

THAT IS MY GREATEST FEER IS HE HAS GOTTEN LIKE THIS FROM ME. I COULDNT FORGIVE MYSELF.  HE STARTED COUNCELING

[24me]

Find out what his hobbies are. What he likes/dislikes. If he doesn't have any guide him towards one. Take him to a music store, get him guitar lessons, a drum set-anything to get him focused on something he can enjoy and vent through.  Direct him in a positive way. Ask him what he's always wanted to do, try to make that happen for him or line up the steps neccessary for it to happen in the future. Make your presence known at school by dropping by the attendance desk & dropping off "paperwork". Make it an in-out thing and don't linger. Get involved with him academically, what does he want to go to school for? I don't mean to say bombard him with all this at once, it may just tick him off. Start gradually. Volunteer to help the teachers with something-anything.  Are you divorced? Broken home? Newly remarried? Fighting w/ your spouse on a regular basis? Other sons or daughters? What is the background here? Your son is crying for help in a major way. Let him know he's a significant part of your family and it's awesome he can make huge statements like that, as shocking and scary as they are. Let him know life is hard work but you can do anything with it. Lastly, is he being bullied?

[althepal39]

Hello Marie Alice - I read your post and your profile - your son may be depressed - seeing as how you have suffered with depression most of your life - he has seen this in you and it may have affected him.   Has he ever been evaluated?  Does he normally talk to you about other things?  It sounds like he has a lot going on in his head.  Is his father around?

[rebbecca]

it would be a good idea for him to talk to someone about his problems that he is having. is he having problems in school or with peers? does he work or have problems with depression?
at times when i was younger i went through the same thing. my was because of home life, school and peers, and it didnt help because i was always depressed. i hope he gets well soon and happy holidays!