Published on 12, July, 2020
just reaching out..
I am not sure where to turn next, my son is 17. He has the following diagnosed conditions; autism. ADHD, depression and epilepsy. He’s not had an easy life, but we are at rock bottom, somehow we kept him in mainstream school but he has now left school mid way through his alevels. He was being billed for being weird, he has now not left home for over two weeks, incredibly depressed and will not leave his bed. He had been on a range of drugs, personally I do not think they have helped, he had been on sertraline for years, and topirimate for the last two years for his epilepsy. He has lost most of his hair on top, and his specialist and psychologist would not acknowledge he was loosing his hair. He had not eaten a proper meal for over two years, he is skin and bones. He hates me and will not take any advice from me, I suffer with my mental health also and had a breakdown about 6 weeks ago. not sure what I am hoping for from posting on here, my wife said to mr I need to accept that he will Kill himself soon and his age expectancy is much lower. I just feel hopeless and alone
Dear NAS93515,
I’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing this with your son. It’s good that you’ve let us know what’s happening. Many people have similar thoughts when coping with so much and we hope you’re okay.
You can find advice and information on how to go about seeking help for your son's mental health as well as links to other resources and details of helplines and listening support services here: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/seeking-help
The information on our eating disorders page may be of particular interest: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/eating-disorders
You can call your GP and make an urgent appointment if your son is expressing suicide thoughts again. If it’s outside your GP hours call 111 to reach the NHS 111 service:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/The Samaritans also provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day on 116 123, or by email on jo@samaritans.org
MIND have information pages on coping with self harm or suicidal feelings based on the experiences of people who’ve been through it that you may find helpful.
If you feel you need more urgent help, our website lists some options you could consider https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/urgent-help
If your son, or anyone in your family is hurt call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
Best Wishes,
Rosie Mod