My teen son is showing depression symptoms but manipulating his girlfriend in the process

[Whatname]

Hi all,

Im completely lost in what to do. My son has been displaying signs of depression, not major yet but isolation/lack of appetite/feelings of sadness. Upon going through his phone (condition of having a phone) I found messages between him & his girlfriend about him wanting to kill himself if she dumps him along with many other forms of emotional abuse.

I'm very confused about this behaviour and how to manage it. I thought my child was sensitive & caring yet all these messages to her are about isolating himself because nobody is trying to make him happy or cares are just disturbing. Obviously she is giving him the attention he is craving by playing to his games.

Has anyone experienced this before? His father was abusive & controlling & im worried he will turn out the same.

[Fairywings]

Hello there are welcome. I am so sorry u r going thru this with you son depression and suicide is a major concern for young males as well. U could start off by calling headspace they focus on young people aged bw 12-25yr old. they are a great resource of course you have us here but headspace is youth focused and they will be able to help in the areas of general mental health, physical health, work & study and drugs & alcohol. I hope this has helped in some way being a youth worker myself I know this organisation is great at helping young people and their families out , please keep in touch and let me know you go xx Venessa.