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DI68Casual Contributor
Hi, my first time. Not sure why, but guess I need some feedback. Have a son with many mental health issues and with all the help I am trying to get him, he isn't interested in helping himself. He gets up at 3pm and goes to sleep at 3am, which doesnt help the situation. Any suggestions as how to get him to help himself.
Thankyou
In response to: My Son
PaperdaisySenior Contributor
Hey @DI68 Welcome to the forums. I hope you find this to be a supportive community. It's tough watching loved ones go through difficult times and feeling helpless. How old is your Son?
In response to: My Son
Eve7Senior Contributor
Hi @DI68 and welcome to the forum. I’m sorry your son is unwell. If it’s any consolation I have a grandson keeping similar hours.
I have no easy answers but I’m here and willing to offer support.
In response to: My Son
DrakeCasual Contributor
In response to: Re: My Son
DI68Casual Contributor
My son is 31 but also has an intellectual impairment, so mentally he is only about 19 or 20, which also makes things difficult.
In response to: Re: My Son
DI68Casual Contributor
In response to: Re: My Son
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
Caring can be complicated @DI68
@Hearing your pain as a mum.
As one of the posters said. It is far from perfect this world. It is harder for some to find a decent path than others. The flipped sleeping hours… is not that unusual these days. Sadly I see tek as contributing. Not everything is as glossy as it appears.
My best advice…. Is keep to the importance of self respect… for both of you. Essential: Keep your own self care going. Encourage help from him in the home even when visiting. All productive acts add to self esteem.
In response to: Re: My Son
Eve7Senior Contributor
Yes @DI68 he does.
In response to: Re: My Son
fruitshop24hrsCasual Contributor
In response to: Re: My Son
QueenCorneliaContributor
Am sorry to hear that. My son is 15 & not well, he has OCD, & also has very little interest in anything.
it’s a huge struggle. Is your grandson getting some professional help?
Best of luck.
In response to: My Son
Jane75Contributor
How old is your son? After a certain age, unfortunately we are unable to help until they want the help. All we can do is offer it, communicate openly and honestly and let them know we are there for them when they want.
My son has many mental health problems and when he was younger I took him many places. After a certain age I coukdnt get him to go. He was on drugs, got expelled from school and his mental health declined even further.
He was about 15 at this time and us now 25. For the last ten years I have run myself ragged trying to get him help. The whole time I was told by many, therapists, the police, doctors etc that I couldn't help him until he wanted it, but him being my son I couldn't let it go and kept trying. All to no avail because he didn't want it.
I understand it's hard but the best thing you can do ( depending on the sons age) is let it be known that you are there for your son when he wants and needs you and are willing to stand by his side and support him when he wants help. That you encourage him to do so but fir now just be Mum.
If you need to chat, I'm available
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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