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melting but not down

Friday 1 April 2011

more worries

Now I'm worried about my son. He's had a rotten couple of years - crazy ex, lost his job, new (now also ex) girlfriend with lots of her own problems - and now he's totally consumed with anxiety about the situation in Libya and Japan. He stays up all night on the internet publishing and responding to videos on Youtube, sleeps till early afternoon, thinks the world is doomed and too awful a place to bring children into. He's always been a sensitive soul at the best of times and I'm scared he's going to crack up completely. I've talked to him about it but he doesn't think he's ill. Maybe I'm just overreacting, perhaps he's just doing what anyone with a strong social conscience and no other distractions would do. Anyone out there had the same experience, themselves or with someone else? Any advice?

8 comments:

Greg said...

Hi Lily, I haven't experience of anyone acting in this way but I think I would be equally concerned about it. At best it sounds like he's displacing his feelings about his own misfortunes onto world events, but his view that "the world is too awful to bring children into" is slightly alarming and one to monitor, I think. You might have difficulty persuading him to go for counselling, but perhaps if he engages more personally and practically with people working to bring relief to earthquake victims, or with those campaigning against war in Libya, he might discover friendships that will restore his faith in humanity.

Lily said...

I will try to steer him in a more positive and proactive direction but its hard - he lives nearly 3 hours away so we mostly communicated via the internet. I take comfort in the wise words 'all things pass' and hope its sooner rather than later. Thanks Greg x

Emily said...

It's worrying. How old is he? People with a strong social conscience need to learn perspective. I can do little about the horrific things happening around the world, beyond using the opportunities offered; I can, however, be kind today to the people I see. Great change in the world is only possible through the small things we do.

He sounds depressed. I think you're right to worry that he might be getting stuck. And I agree that counseling might be in order.

Lily said...

32 Emily, I'm hoping its just a phase lol, but I'll keep a close, if distant, eye on him.

libby said...

Perhaps he needs to think about volunteering somewhere? might help him...

Lily said...

I was thinking the same thing Libby, I even started looking for something in his home time but then didn't want to be the pushy mother, sigh.

rilera said...

Lily, he definitely sounds depressed. We sensitive ones are especially prone to it. You are right to keep an eye on him and continue to encourage him to find positive outlets and counseling.

Lily said...

rilera! long time no chat ! Lovely to hear from you again, hope you're well and happy x x