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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mookie127 on March 11, 2005, at 15:30:43
I have a 23 year old son who has complained for several years now about feeling empty or just not really feeling. He has done some therapy but I am not sure he really took advantage of it or that the 2 people he saw where the right ones for him - he only went for a couple of months each time. He has also tried some alternative treatments - accupuncture, non-pharmaceutical remedies through an excellent medical doctor that practices homeopathic / Chinese medicine (who doesn't think he is severely depressed). He is a smart sensitive kid. He does not exhibit some of the signs of depression - he is not isolated, he is a full time university student and has achieved dean's list grades for almost all of his college education, he has a lot of friends, and he is currently studying abroad in Barcelona. He complains often about not feeling "horny" althyough I think he is suffering from low-self esteem and a lack of confidence etc. He is really sick of feeling this way and doesn;t have a lot of faith in therapy. His last therapist mentioned trying an anti-depressant, which he was reluctant to do, but might consider. Anyone have any experience with a similar situation?
Posted by Phil on March 11, 2005, at 16:33:31
In reply to I need some advice, posted by mookie127 on March 11, 2005, at 15:30:43
Welcome! Sounds like an evaluation by a psychiatrist is in order. Depression isn't always feeling bad but more feeling numb like your son describes. The sooner depression is treated, the better.
Must be a tough kid to pull off those grades with depression and emptiness pulling him down.Phil
Posted by Susan47 on March 11, 2005, at 23:43:10
In reply to Re: I need some advice » mookie127, posted by Phil on March 11, 2005, at 16:33:31
Tough and smart, to know enough to realize he feels empty. I hope he continues to seek help with therapy and an AD might be the thing that will trip him into staying in therapy, wanting it badly enough to stay, because maybe he'll begin to see glimpses of what it's like to really feel good again.
Posted by 10derHeart on March 12, 2005, at 0:10:05
In reply to Re: I need some advice, posted by Susan47 on March 11, 2005, at 23:43:10
I agree with Susan and Phil - great comments. And welcome to Babble! Glad you're here. My daughter is also 23.
Your son does sound wonderfully strong and resourceful. People can pull off astounding things through sheer grit, but I think we just don't have to suffer all that. For instance, I have had ADD (ADHD) all my life, but not diagnosed or treated until age 42. Medication, education, advocating for myself and therapy changed my life. I had high grades, a full life and lots of friends, too. But inside was quite falling apart for years. I was doing things through sweat, tears and the blessing of intelligence. And my daughter was parenting me, bless her heart. But everything was 100x harder than it had to be for me, not knowing how differently my brain was working compared to most.
So, in a similar way, he could get just the right help now when still young, through meds and/or the right therapy. Maybe it's a mild depression, but even that can drain the color right out of life. You're wonderful to come here on his behalf. My best to you...
Posted by Susan47 on March 12, 2005, at 20:45:18
In reply to Re: I need some advice » Susan47, posted by 10derHeart on March 12, 2005, at 0:10:05
Your story and mine are markedly similar. If I'd had the foresight at 23 to understand I was depressed and beyond functioning my best (my brain was too scattered, but I was smart enough to get by "well" I suppose, well enough, anyway) I would not have hestitated to put myself out in spite of the shame associated with therapy and ad's and diagnoses etc. And I KNOW my life would have been much better. Which is scary and sad and wonderful to know all at the same time.
Posted by 10derHeart on March 12, 2005, at 20:53:46
In reply to Re: I need some advice » 10derHeart, posted by Susan47 on March 12, 2005, at 20:45:18
Yeah, I suppose. I don't think of that much, though. Regrets or rethinking what could have been have never been a problem for me. But they cause much pain for many I've spoken to diagnosed with Adult ADD. I'm in the minority with a lot of successes where others had failures, I guess. And I spent many years in the military, which, though difficult for both my personality type and my ADD brain, actually provided so much structure, routine, and a built-in family, it helped me as a person far more than it ever hurt me. So, all that is okay.
Personal life, relationships...yuk...whole other story. But I still just look forward now, as much as I can. And probably make up for lack of regrets with loads of anxiety about tomorrow....but that's improving, too.
Just look at all we've done while in the dark about depression and ADD and Lord knows what else...raising awesome children comes to mind :-)
Posted by Susan47 on March 13, 2005, at 11:11:47
In reply to Re: I need some advice » Susan47, posted by 10derHeart on March 12, 2005, at 20:53:46
Yes. Awesome, wonderful, beautiful children.
This is the end of the thread.
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