Where do I go from here

[Lost___frustrated]

Hi everyone. New on here and I'm feeling lost with life.  I am a single mother of two teenage children divorced for 3 years.  I have recently lost both parents in a 6 weeks time frame and I know I'm still grieving for their loss.  I have suffered from depression for years on and off.  My biggest problem at the moment is my son.  He is 17 years old and has very low self esteem, no confidence has anxiety issues and point blank tells me he has played every counsellor he has spoken to by telling them what they want to hear.  He is addicted to the Internet gaming world, it basically rules his life.  He is supposed to be at TAFE completing a certificate 3 in IT this is his second go at it and I know he's going to fail again because of lack of attendance.  I've tried playing hard ball, taking internet away and end up being verbally abused and damage is done to walls and anything else he can kick or hit.  Do any of you know about any sought of intervention?  He will not go and talk to anyone, just abuses his sister and myself.  Thank you

[Kathryne]

Hi,

I'm sorry to read of your issues.  Loosing both loving parents , so close is devastating. We all deal with the grief in different ways. Could this be a part of your son's issues.

Is his father any assistance with your Son? Maybe your son needs a counselor he can build a rapport with where he will seek guidance . Could you consider that. 

Teenagers are renowned for causing their parents grief, without the grief of the losses he has experienced in such a short time.  Has he received counseling for the loss of his grandparents and the loss of his father in his daily life. 

Beyond Blue have many resources available online and forums you and your son could seek guidance from

Hope this helps

Kathryne

[Carmela]

Hi and welcome to Beyondblue. I am sorry to hear that you are doing it tough at the moment. 

There are services available that I recommend you take a look at. Firstly Mind Australia - https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/resources/families-and-carers who have great resources and free counselling. Also try COPMI (children of parents with mental health) - http://www.copmi.net.au/find-help.  

Lastly, Headspace who provide support for youth with mental health issues - http://www.headspace.org.au. They have information & phone support for families. This might be a good one to start with.

All the services are free & have some wonderful resources.

Can I also recommend that you visit your GP to have a discussion about your son & your own mental health considering you have experienced so much grief in a short timeframe. In relation to your son, the Dr may be able to suggest a psychologist who specialises in teenage mental health rather than a generalist counsellor. 

Sending you my best wishes. Carmela