My sons depression

[marlene123]

My son is 43 yrs old.  He has had (what I think) is depression since he was a child.  He had a very strong father and my son was very laid  back.  His father passed away when my son was 11 yrs old.  When I remarried he was 13.  He showed signs of depression and we took him to counsling.  He would not go back.  At 18 he went into the Marines.  He made it through but every since he got out after 4 years he hasn't been able to hold down a job.  He wen to school for auto cad and was let go from that job.  He went to school to be a bartender.  Went to work and then lost that job.  He started a roofing business, and eventually gave that up.  He is really good at painting pictures, but can't seem to sell them.  He stays home (he is married to a lady who has alot of health problems and is on medicad and not able to hold a job because seizors) so live on her income of about $600 a month.

My son is a good person,  but can't seem to cope. When we have family get togethers he doesn't like to go.  He begins to have back pain and depression.  He does have back problems. He told me the other day he can't wait to leave this world.  He believes in God and would't commit suicide.  Everything he tries to do he fails at.

He had tried to get help from the VA.  All they do is give depression medicine.  He needs HELP!  but I don't knwo where to get him help.  He has no money.  Is there any help out there for him.  I just don't know how to help him.

thanks

[opus88]

I can sympathize with you I also have a son 38 who has severe depression, he has lost alot of jobs too, 2 yrs ago began his own contracting business(owner/operator).....but has slid into severe depression 3x during..but as he has no sick time or disability insurance he couldn't take any time off work without loosing the company totally.
So he managed to pull thru each time and it sure wasn't easy for him, he is a fighter.
but he too has ofter said life is just getting to hard to want to continue...
Its hard for anyone but us mothers suffer along with our children, we are pretty helpless too, we can offer suggestions and moral support but not much else.
I know nothing abt VA or your US medicaid system, but as mammo said I hope he tries these links and gets a better diagnosis and treatment.
Sounds like he is already on anti-depressants but possibly he needs a different one or an increase in dosage??
Please urge him to return to the VA doctors and get better treated.
good luck and God bless you mom

[mammo]

The VA should help your son, and I would have him return there.  You may need to speak with the Patient Advocate to get results, but they will help him.  They have a lot of men who are dealing with depression, post traumatic syndrome, etc, and have put forth a big effort to help these men.  My husband goes to the VA, and they have treated him extremely well.  If the VA gave him medication, maybe he was supposed to return?  I'm sure they would monitor him while on this, and get him therapy.  I would think he could get a medical card with having no money, and that's the best insurance of all!