14yo DS with sudden lows

[Anonymous]

I have a son who just started freshman year of high school. He made a fall sports team, has been getting good grades, made new friends, going to homecoming with a bunch of friends and everything seems to be going well.

Suddenly he is crying and upset and says he sees no point in living. He says nothing gives him joy and that he feels empty 99% of the time.

Then he will go back to being normal, being a diligent student, going to sports practice, having kids say hi and social to him.

Does this seem normal?
Should I get him a therapist?

I have a brother who is bipolar. I worry that DS will battle depression like my brother. My brother has been in and out of depression his entire adult life. It started in late high school.

[Anonymous]

Of course you should have him see a therapist

[Anonymous]

Not normal.

When did puberty start?

[Anonymous]

Seek a recommendation for an evaluation. You’re lucky that your child shared this with you. Not all kids do.

[Anonymous]

Get him into therapy. Especially given your brother’s history of bipolar disorder.

[Anonymous]

Yes, he needs a therapist.

[Anonymous]

My child with significant mental health struggles puts on a "brave face" much of the time. Very few people know how much they struggle.

Yes, try therapy if he is willing. "Would you like to talk to someone" was one of the best questions I ever asked my child.

[Anonymous]

Definitely ask if he’d be willing to talk to a therapist. Also an evaluation would be a very good idea.

[Anonymous]

Get on therapist wait lists asap. That gives you time as you sound a little hesitant. Those lists can be long. Don’t wait longer.