Convince teen for therapy

[Anonymous]

My DS appears to be sad in college. He is doing fine academically, but not socializing much. Three years back we noticed it and talked him into therapy and he refused stating he doesn't it. We thought things improved and it was a transient phase.

Now it started more visible when he is away at college. He refused for therapy again but we need to convince the benefits. Any suggestions on how best to handle. We're really worried and are unable to decide between psychiatrist or psychologist to start with. Thank you for any help.

[Anonymous]

It’s out of your hands, he’s an adult now.

[Anonymous]

You really need to back off a little. Be there if he wants support but you're not helping him by being this over bearing.

[Anonymous]

True, but parents' responsibility will not end at 18, when they see their DC is suffering but being helpless. Don't we counsel our adult friends when they need us?

[Anonymous]

Theres no benefits if the person does not want to participate in therapy.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you just give up on your kid who is struggling in college.

Besides therapy, you could encourage him to get blood work done to see if he has deficiencies in b-12 or vitamin D - both of which can cause anxiety/depression.

Also, you could go there and spend some time with him - take him to target and out to eat and see if he talks to you about what's going on. My college age DSs open up after a day or two together. And that could give you a real sense as to how much he is struggling. The fact that he is still "doing life" and going to class is good. But kids from this vintage missed out on some social development because of COVID (cue the whingers who will say the kids are all fine).

[Anonymous]

Omg. Yes- you dint give up! Depression in college kids is at an all time high!! Suicide rates are high.

I know 4 kids now that had to leave college for mental health issues (didn’t have them prior)- a nephew, work colleague’s kid, neighbor’s kid and my gym buddy’s kid. It’s epidemic levels with this age group.