Not sure how to help my son

Hi @Jaybel

I'm so sorry to see everything you've been juggling with your son, it's heartbreaking to read.

The first thing I want to ask is, what support do you have in place? It's all too easy when caring for a loved one to ignore/supress your own needs--especially when it comes to your children. This is the first thing I'd advise you to look in to, creating your own support network. Perhaps a support group you can meet with that are in a similar situation to your family would be helpful. Do you have a therapist? Do you have a GP to check in with? Your GP should be able to help with referring you on to support networks. If you can create a trusted support network, I think it will help in being able to cope with your son's situation. It sounds to me like you've been doing all the right things re psychiatric help and psychological help for your son. I can't say if there are other services out there that are available to your family, I honestly have no idea. So my advice is really to check in with your GP, talk to them about your concerns, talk to them about how difficult it is to manage, and talk about creating your own support network. You need to take care of yourself too, and reading all the things you've had to do for your son, I'm guessing self-care hasn't been a priority for you. I hope others will respond here with some advice and help, and I really wish you all the best, your son is lucky to have you caring for him.

Hi,

I understand your frustration. So many symptoms can overlap and then their are the ones that come with your childs personality. Try to keep an open mind, remeber there will be set backs, keep being supportive but firm and take opportunities that arise to talk about things. There is no right or wrong way of doing things, just take it day by day and try new things until you find what works. Also remeber to do something for yourself at least once a week.

@Jaybel if you are able to find a therapist who specialises in personality disorders that would be great. Therapists aren't a one size fits all so when you're talking to your GP about it, see if they are able to find someone who is experienced in this field. Also do a quick google search when you can, lots of psychologists have their own websites with their specific areas of interest listed--this is how I found my psychologist. While my GP was well meaning, she didn't match my needs with the right therapist, she later admitted she tends to refer everyone to that one psychologist... So it doesn't hurt to do a little google search before meeting with the GP--though hopefully yours will be more helpful than in my case.

@outlander I remember how helpful you were when I joined the forums, I was wondering if you may know anyone who can chime in here with some advice or a supportive ear?

@Jaybel Hey Jaybel and thanks for tagging me @outlander . I have a son2 who has autism, epilepsy, intellectual delay and schittzophrenia. He is highly medicated for his moods and anger and his epilepsy. The meds have saved him from using violence as a means to express his frustrations as an example.If ever you want to talk I am more than happy to listen. Just tag me. Take care. Love peaxx

@outlander thanks champ

hello @saltandpepper , @Jaybel , @Bunniekins , @outlander , @Tess2

how are you, thinking of you and sitting with you

@Shaz51 Hi Shaz51 and thank you. I am going well atm. I hope you are too.Love your sister. peaxxx