Hi I'm new today, I have a son who needs help and resists

Hi @2026

I just wanted to stop by to welcome you to the forums. I know that we have many members on here who have faced similar challenges when supporting loved ones through psychosis and I'm eager to see what guidance and support they can provide here.

I'm wondering what sort of approaches have you taken when trying to talk to your son about his mental health and your concerns?

It's a really hard position to be in and can be frightening to witness, especially when it's your child. I'm glad you're here and I hope this can be a supportive space for you.

Thank you Ru-bee, my son seemed to be managing at work but has taken long service leave. I've tried talking to him on and off for the past couple of years. Now things have escalated and he has pretty much cut himself off from everything it's disturbing. I went to a doctor for a mental health plan for myself and have started going to a psychologist only 1 visit so far for them to help me and advise me. So I told my son the doctor I went to see that he would be happy to speak to him. I've sent him links to various things about mental health, podcasts etc and I got told I was spamming him. And now I'm antagonising him. It's very frustrating.

Hi@2026

Sorry to hear your son is unwell. What kind of symptoms is he having?

Hi @2026 its a very difficult but unfortunately common situation for parents to find themselves in.

As you have probably learnt, unless there is immediate risk of harm to self or others, he can't be forcibly treated and needs to seek help himself.

You are obviously doing all you can, as is evidenced by getting a mental health plan for yourself to seek advice.

Perhaps keep the lines of non-judgemental communication open and learn as much as you can about psychosis, since knowledge will help reduce your own anxiety about it and you'll be in a better position to support him if he does reach out for help.

Some links:

• https://psychosisaustralia.com.au/about-psychosis/how-should-i-talk-to-someone-about-psychosis-symptoms/
• https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/the-sane-blog/caring-for-others/five-tips-to-help-a-loved-one-challenge-psychosis

If he hears voices, a good lived experience (non-medical peer support) resource is:

• https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/mental-health/hearing-voices-support/

There are other groups in some States if you need.

Crisis info is at

• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthcare-and-services/mental-health/mental-health-crisis-support

In particular, you can talk to your State based mental health triage team for advice (under "State and Territory Crisis Support Numbers at the link above).

Please let us know what other supports you need.

Hi Misty, dwells on past negative events, thinks someone has been to the house after him, has guilt about not being around as his Dad died suddenly, and he was living his best life like young people should have at the time. Doesn't really have any contact with his sisters or brother anymore. He hasn't any friends but he's withdrawn from having them. Very sad he was thriving at school but I think he needs to get off the weed too.

Thanks so much for all that information. I have phoned a mental health service too they gave me some info about a walk in service not far from where I live. The saying you can lead the horse to water but you can't make them drink comes up a bit for me. It's distressing to watch.

Hi@2026

Sorry to hear that your son is experiencing all these unpleasant symptoms. I am no expert by any means it's possible that the weed use is contributing or causing the psychosis especially if he's using high amounts.

It is really difficult and frustrating to watch a loved one suffer from mental illness and not want to do anything about it. It can affect your own mental health. The only thing you can do is step back and let them make their own decisions which is infuriating.

Thank you yes I feel helpless and it's making me unwell. My youngest daughter her partner and my grandson live downstairs and my son lives here too. She gets onto to me quite a bit and says I should think about asking him to leave. I understand how she feels but I don't think making him homeless is the right thing to do and will make things worse for him. That's another added pressure.