Long term listener first time caller

[Rawlikesushi]

Hello, I'm a 46 yr old mother of two with 30 year history of depression, social anxiety, avoidance and perpetual job dissatisfaction.

I'm joining bb online forums today because I am just coming out of a 3 week depressive episode myself but I am also worried about my 15 year old son. More later.

Thanks for having me

[blondguy]

Hello Rawlikesushi

I understand that you are going through a very very tough time with your son

I have responded to your main thread and I hope I have been of some help to you

There are many people that can be here for you.

Your health is the priority here....with all respect for what your son is going through of course

As a parent there is only so much we can do unfortunately. I hope you can care for yourself so you can be there to support your son effectively.

my sincere thoughts for your situation

Paul

[geoff]

hello Rawlikesushi, thank you for posting your comment, as there are many of us who have had some sort of depression for as long as you have been struggling, and I know myself that it debilitates us in every way that's possible.
This latest 3 week period could be a breakdown in all proportions, in other words you have put on a brave face to your son plus everyone else you know, but finally you couldn't do it any longer, so you totally broke down, but now you're slowly coming out of it, you realise that how you felt is something that your son has related to, and worried about what he maybe do or how he is affected.
This is a very important post, not that all the others aren't, but it would be great if you can fill us in and how he is going.
It takes a great of courage and strength for you to be able to pull yourself out from having a relapse, because unfortunately once we have depression it remains with us forever, although we are able to get on with our life, we are susceptible to have another relapse.
It would be good to hear back from you. Geoff.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hello,

I have also suffered depression since a teenager. I have very long cycles, averaging about 5yrs down then 5 yrs ok.

I can't really pinpoint when this latest one started..it has been moderately bubbling for at least several yrs, til hit full blown, can't leave the house 2 mths ago.

I have a 16yo son, and am so worried for him. Firstly, I've always been able to hide it til now. But he's old enough to see that I'm not myself. Mind you, blind freddy could see it atm. Then of course, he is at that age where I can see some rebelliousness and anger coming out..or is this cos of how I am, and he is resentful.

Most importantly, I am worried that he may be depressed. Perhaps all of it, plus genetics, has tipped him over. He is painfully shy anyway. We've always had an open relationship and been able to talk. Other than trying to maintain a happy household when I've been 'flat', I have always been pretty honest with him. Lately, he has clammed up. He is angry more often than not. He has no interests other than surfing the net. He resents doing anything around the house and never does anything unless asked or told to. Even the empty toilet roll (lol) "someone else will do it". We are in a remote area, an hour away from everything, including his school & friends.

I worry he is depressed. Hell, with our current circumstances, I could understand it. Of course I am worrying that it is my fault..black dog thinking, overthinking.

I hope that it is just growing up, a phase. It is possible that it's just a 'male thing'.

I guess time will tell. I am interested to hear more of your story. I hope we can help each other.

Lee

[Jordan2]

Hi Raw

I read your post because I too have been a long time listener and this is my first post. But then it struck me we are the same age, and I also have two kids. Two nights ago, my 13 year old heard that I had depression. I think it worries him and worries me too.

Best wishes

Jordan

[Rawlikesushi]

Thank you Geoff, wow over 7000 posts, you are amazing and such a support to so many people. I really appreciated your comment that it takes a lot of strength to pull ourselves out of depression. You are so right, it takes everything I have to stay in the moment and to remember how important my role is in raising 2 kids. It's easy to forget that the peopLe who suffer the most areusually the strongest.

I will be keeping you all posted on how we are travelling. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and your strength too.

R

[Rawlikesushi]

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for posting. I know my children worry about me when I'm depressed, but it has also taught them compassion so it's not all bad I guess. It's OK to worry about someone you love, and it's OK to talk to kids about depression. your 13 year old is probably more able to discuss mental health issues than we ever were in the early 80's.

best wishes

R

[Rawlikesushi]

Hi Lee,

thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you are having a tough time. I hope you have some support from friends and family. Your son sounds like a typical teenager but it might be a good idea to keep an eye on his moods. I hope you can find something positive in every day so you can feel stronger. You will get through this

best wishes

R