weight loss

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

Parents
  • I’m so sorry - this must be incredibly upsetting for both of you. So tough - I hope you’re getting support too for the toll this must be taking on you? 
    I see you mention that it started when your son started taking anti-depressants - is he still taking them? And if so might that be still and issue regarding his lack of appetite? Either way I think you need to go back to your Doctor and insist on more help for your son.
    I have little experience of this - my son is an extremely picky eater (very much leaning towards sweet and unhealthy foods) and he is very slim - but not unusually so. He won’t eat any vegetables apart from Potato and tomato sauce - not the healthiest of diets. 
    I wish I could help more - I can only send you and your son my best wishes and empathy - take care. x 

Reply
  • I’m so sorry - this must be incredibly upsetting for both of you. So tough - I hope you’re getting support too for the toll this must be taking on you? 
    I see you mention that it started when your son started taking anti-depressants - is he still taking them? And if so might that be still and issue regarding his lack of appetite? Either way I think you need to go back to your Doctor and insist on more help for your son.
    I have little experience of this - my son is an extremely picky eater (very much leaning towards sweet and unhealthy foods) and he is very slim - but not unusually so. He won’t eat any vegetables apart from Potato and tomato sauce - not the healthiest of diets. 
    I wish I could help more - I can only send you and your son my best wishes and empathy - take care. x 

Children
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