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Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

Piglet1New Contributor30 June 2025, 2:58 pm AEST

Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

My son has been suffering from treatment resistant depression going on two years now and OCD on and off for ten years.. He has tried numerous anti depressants and TMS treatment, none of which helped. He has had two long term admissions to a hospital mental health unit and has seen a psychiatrist and a number of psychologists. He is now waiting to receive another [edited by moderator] treatment but they cannot say when that will happen. With every new treatment he has been told that it will help him. He cannot see light at the end of the tunnel. We keep encouraging him, telling him he will feel better, but with each failed treatment he believes it less and less. He has said that the only reason he is still here is because he has people who love him and he doesn't want us to be sad. I am terrified that one day this will not be enough and he will do something. Any advice would be appreciated.

2 replies

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In response to: Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

rav3nSenior Contributor30 June 2025, 3:26 pm AEST

Re: Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

hey @Piglet1 thanks for sharing and welcome to the forums!

i'm so sorry to hear how hard its been for your son and you. i can imagine how discouraging it is to have your hopes up each time there's a new treatment, but then feel shattered when it doesn't work out the way you thought it would. i know it may be hard to see the positives right now, but even figuring out what doesn't work brings you one step closer to figuring out what does. it's never easy seeing our loved ones in pain, and i'm glad he has you to lean on. i have heard that trying a holistic approach (i.e. looking in social supports/connections, physical activity, therapy, nutrition, sleep, etc) can be helpful for some - i'm sure others on the forums will provide you with support soon too.

i also wanted to encourage you to look into Carer Gateway, you deserve support too - and there are some services in there that might help lift some of the weight off your shoulders.

sounds like your son is doing his best to try hold on too, i've got my fingers crossed that the new treatment goes well.

p.s. just letting you know that naming medications is against our forums guidelines, instead we try keep it vague (i.e. you can say antidepressants, mood stabilisers, etc.) to help keep the community safe. i've edited the medication name from your post, please don't feel discouraged - i know you're new so it takes some time getting used to the guidelines, feel free to check it out here: Community Guidelines - SANE Forums

In response to: Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

SpiritGuidedNew Contributor30 June 2025, 3:47 pm AEST

Re: Adult son with treatment resistant depression and OCD

Maybe your son has something or many things he hasn't told anyone, such as situations or a problem he is keeping to himself. Encourage him to journal his feelings, and DO NOT look at his journal until he is ready to share. Just a possibility.

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