how can i help my suffering son?

[murielrigby]

I arrived in the big city a week ago...my 44-year-old son is doing his second round in a lock-down unit to keep him safe from what his several doctors have said is suicide "ideation"...

Since the first of the year he has redoubled his efforts to take charge of his physical and mental health. All through his life he has been weighed down with depression and tried zoloft on and off...he started a fullout exercise program...took what meds the doctors ordered and has been on and off so many things including lithium.

he has seen several analysts but really connects with the guy he's been seeing for about the last year.

when I got here to his home, I found eight or so different psychotropic drugs in his medicine chest...including enough clonazapam to kill him three times over had he opted for that escape. Prescriptions written by three doctors in the space of one month

This is his seventh day, second stay in the same lock-down unit and he has a new psychiatrist in charge of him...one day he seems somewhat better...the very next he begs for a pass out of the hosp so he can do himself in because he feels unable to cope with the burning of his nerves...his anxiety is free-floating and most days rampant....his endurance is nearing an end.

I have ordered up a library of books on depression, case scenarios, different views of how to treat, etc.

...instead of getting any better, my son's every down day tends to be worse and worse...

I don't know how to reach this man... and this man I see at the hospital is not my brilliant son

If anyone here can help, I'm especially seeking parents of depressed/anxiety disorders in their adult children.

[St8arrow]

...took what meds the doctors ordered and has been on and off so many things including lithium. he has seen several analysts but really connects with the guy he's been seeing for about the last year.

when I got here to his home, I found eight or so different psychotropic drugs in his medicine chest...including enough clonazapam to kill him three times over had he opted for that escape. Prescriptions written by three doctors in the space of one month.

From St8arrow

If he or her, doesn't know about this situation, (too many pills); you should tell them immediately.

From Murielrigby:

This is his seventh day, second stay in the same lock-down unit and he has a new psychiatrist in charge of him...one day he seems somewhat better...the very next he begs for a pass out of the hosp so he can do himself in because he feels unable to cope with the burning of his nerves...his anxiety is free-floating and most days rampant....his endurance is nearing an end.

From St8arrow

"Burning of his nerves" sounds like a reaction to all of the medications that he has been taking. One medication is probably enough or perhaps two, but then again, some people say none at all.

From Murielrigby

I have ordered up a library of books on depression, case scenarios, different views of how to treat, etc. ...instead of getting any better, my son's every down day tends to be worse and worse...I don't know how to reach this man... and this man I see at the hospital is not my brilliant son

If anyone here can help, I'm especially seeking parents of depressed/anxiety disorders in their adult children.

I am not a parent of an adult depressed/anxiety disordered person. But what I can tell you is that overcoming your sons fears, whatever they may be, which includes those fears that he keeps to himself, will be the key to understanding and helping your adult son. I would suggest a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

[balcony]

Hi Murielrigby, I am very sad to read about your son and the intense pain and anxiety it must cause to you as his mom. The love of a child never lessens with age and I am sure you feel helpless. We are trained to believe that moms can fix everything and unfortunately we cannot. The love and support you have shown him does make a difference. Your courage and strength is remarkable. Yes, education is helpful. I do think reading and studying the literature might help you understand the situation better. I think you should seek a doctor's help for yourself as well. Get the support you need and have a place where ALL your questions are answered.
I hope your son improves and the doctors find a therapy regimen that works best for him.
We welcome you to the forums and encourage you to continue to post. You might wish to check out our chat room here as well. Chat is safe place that offers peer support and information as well. Best to you and your son.