Anxiety Dealing with Young Adult

[MummaDonna]

Hi Everyone - this is my first time on this site. I have bad anxiety and at the moment it’s the worst it’s every been. I have a 23 yr old son who has gone through big drug struggles over last 3 years and it has caused me turmoil. Now just being around him causes me so much anxiety I’m looking for advice on ways to manage this. All the psychologist techniques haven’t helped xxx

[Bob_22]

Hi MummaDonna,

Welcome to the forums and thank you so much for posting your experience here. I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with anxiety around your son. 

I know it wasn't part of your question but I thought I might recommend the service headspace for your son if he hasn't accessed any services yet. They can offer drug and alchol support for young people under 25 and have specialised workers on site at their centres across Australia. I used to work at headspace and can recommend their services. They also have info available on their website if you're interested: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/alcohol-and-other-drugs/ 

While talking about online resources I thought I might let you know of a few that might be helpful as well that I've recommended to other parents. Here is some info regarding caring for young people with drug and alcohol issues on the Carers NSW website (click here) and for any assistance you can visit the Carer gateway where you can access counselling and peer support groups. Click here or call 1800 422 737.

Regarding tips for managing anxiety, I find a lot of benefit in breathing and mindfulness exercises. Also I find a lot of help in just talking through issues with others although this isn't readily available. You can find some of these exercises here on the beyond blue website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/relaxation-exercises 

Sorry to have put so many attachments here. I hope some of it helps. Please let us know how you go and remember if you ever need to talk to someone or need immediate support you can speak to a counsellor at Beyond blue 24/7 through phone or online chat by going here. 💙

Bob

[Learn to Fly]

Hi MummaDonna,

Bob_22 has given you some amazing resources and advice. 
This might sound like an obvious question but have you ever tried talking to your son and telling him how his experience affected your life as well as your emotions and feelings? Being a parent in these circumstances must have been very hard on you. The whole focus would be on helping your son to quit the addiction but you would need to be heard and understood too. 

[Mark Z.]

Hi MummaDonna,

I'm sorry, I can tell that it's very frustrating for you.

You son is a young adult, if all the psychologist techniques haven't helped, I guess he needs help from someone who really understands him, who have experienced similar circumstances, or are dealing with issues now.

Have you tried mental health peer support or peer group program for him? You can have a look at following links to have some ideas:

https://www.benevolent.org.au/services-and-programs/mental-health-and-wellbeing/peer-support-and-gro...

https://grow.org.au/

https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/sunshine/youth-peer-support-at-headspace-sunshine/

Mark