Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
My son is 19 years old. He is approx 5 foot 10 and now weighs 8 stone.
He suffers from depression but mainly anxiety. He is awaiting an Autism assessment. He gets very agitated, angry verbally and physically.
His appetite has gradually gotten worse and worse. He does get where he feels hungry but just can't stomach anything. Food makes him feel nauseous , he has no appetite and doesn't 'want' to eat.
He hates his weight loss but just can't eat. He will nibble on things as and when and will occasionally eat 1 small meal a day. He can also go 24 hours without food.
The doctor keeps repeatedly saying that Tom needs to try Talking Therapy but the doctors don't seem to understand that Tom cannot bring himself to talk to someone about his problems. He finds it highly distressing and anxiety levels go through the roof at the thought of it. It makes him physically sick.
He is having Scandishakes as and when he can to try to get some calories in. Is there anything anyone else has tried ?
Tom is asking me to help him but i just don't know what else i can do. I have tried the doctors, i make high calorie snacks, make small portions of food for him, have made a 'snack box' up for him. . . . . . .
Are there any appetite enhancers that he could try ??
. . . . . . not sure how much longer his body can keep going like this ! or his mental health. He already says he doesn't want to live. . .
Any support would be sooooo much appreciated.
Thank you
In relation to the Scandishakes part, have you looked into Huel as a possibility? Their website states: "Get all the carbs, protein, fibre, fats and 26 vitamins and minerals you need from a meal."
Even if he had 1 a day, that'd help towards nourishing his body and he could sip away at his leisure. Then once he's gotten used to that, maybe he could introduce other, smaller things to his routine.
My partner occasionally struggles with the anxiety of eating a meal and will feel nauseous at all stages (leading up to eating, consuming, and after he's finished). Little and often with absolutely no pressure from anyone tends to help but it does sound like a professional may need to step in.
Also, in relation to Talking Therapies, could you participate with him? Does he feel less anxious in your presence?