worried mum

Hi, I suffered from anxiety and depression from the age of 14. I wanted help but was scared of it too, because I was a child. But I was a child who knew something wasn't right.

It wasn't teenage angst or identity issues; it was medical.

Luckily your son has a GP that's recognised this in him, believe me they are few and far between.

Please, don't tell your son this is a phase related to his age, this only makes his feelings seem less heard, in my experience.

Encourage him to go to his appointments, I know they are painful, but trust me, it's better to nip this in the bud now.

Tell him how much you love him, remind him of all his talents and strengths, and tell him from someone who was like him at his age, how lucky he is to be getting treatment.

Please never, ever dismiss his pain as teenage angst.

He needs your support and strength.

You will get through this together; and the sooner the better.

All my love and best wishes xxx

Hello. I think some people are just naturally more introverted and learn to socialize/communicate better with increasing age and life experiences. Sometimes it's just a matter of being patient with the process. Extroverts do not make it easy, but everyone is unique as a snowflake (for unique reasons only the universe truly knows!) so he must stay true to himself. I knew a friend who only really started to come out of herself when she started a job that involved a lot of one-to-one conversations with people. It took several years for the confidence to come, but now in her early thirties she is one of the best thoughtful communicators I know. A lady called Susan Cain has done a lot of work on this and you may want to read some of her quotes and books. My friend also tried to replace the feeling of fear with motivation on a consistent basis. I myself have done this when I am outside my comfort zone in something, and it really works! By all means try other avenues suggested by professionals, but please bear the above in mind. My best wishes.

Hi, I also suffer from anxiety, and have done for many years. I'm also on the same medication as ur son. I find it helps me a lot, I take three a day. He's young, hopefully he will move on, I hope so. Have u taken him to see a therapist??

Hi katrina

I remember my boys at 15yrs. It's a tricky age at the best of times. One of boys was very much like how you describe your son. I thought it was an age thing and thought he was just one of the boys who preferred to play computer games in his room rather than mixing with people.

I knew he didn't like conflict and with that age group boys always seem to be trying to prove themselves and be macho with there peers. So I was selfishly grateful as I knew he was indoors and safe. Only to find out he was not safe as for months he had been self harming without me having a clue. It's so painful to see your child in pain, I agree with the responses you have received here. That's why it's tricky all three posts I have read from contributors here..All make perfect sense. I wish I had taken more notice of my son's behavior as I would love to think I could have stopped him from hurting himself. On a positive note, he is now a very happy and charming 30year old who works with the public and is married with a beautiful home. Most importantly a beautiful daughter and another on the way.

Your son will get through this, be vigilant and keep reminding him that he is loved and can share anything with you. Remind him Whatever he is experiencing will pass, and, one way or the other you are going to be with him all the way..shoulder to shoulder.

Also remember to look after yourself! Worrying can play havoc on your wellbeing too.

wish you and your son the very best. He will come out of this and remember it was a difficult period in his life, he will also remember you were there with him all the way.

god bless you both ♥

You are most welcome. Just one random thought that came to mind and something you may think worth considering: why not slowly try getting him involved in a setting where there will be less chances of hostility and indifference from people eg. befriending at an elders' care home or volunteering at a visually impaired charity? The people there are out of this world in their kindness. It would give your son a chance to improve social skills. This could be just even an hour or two a month, but these small steps will gradually build up to make a big difference. You may want to sit in with him at first, and will find it very fulfilling. Inspirational quotes around the house, on post-it notes, may also help eg. More than 90% of winning in life is getting excited!