Grandson 19- depression and anxiety-had to leave university

@ainsleigh

I know that when I was at the beginning of the process of getting mental health treatment, I was in no condition to advocate for myself. My wife went with me to every appointment except for counseling, because I wouldn't remember what the doctor said, and she asked the questions and spoke up for me. At the time, I was deeply depressed and suicidal. I was fortunate to have a good psychiatrist who got me started.

I'm glad his parents are going to step up and get him the good help he needs.

Jim

@jimhd I would normally agree with the turn and run, but where I live, the waiting list for a good psych is about 6 mos. The bad ones, you can almost walk-in and see. So, if you finally have an appt. and they will at least minimally treat you, you are almost obliged to take what you can get while waiting to get to the top of someone's waiting list. The doctor I want to see received a referral for me in late December and they are just now scheduling the early December referrals. So, I am seeing someone I am not crazy about, but at least I am getting some meds that keep me from crashing, but just barely. I will bid her adieu whenever I get an appt. with the Lady I really want to see. If/when/where we lose some of the stigma of admitting mental illness and seeking help, I think this is going to become a much larger problem of doctor/patient ratios in smaller metro areas and maybe everywhere.

Thanks to those of you who are responding. I should share something that helped greatly when I was at my worst.
I joined a self help group with others who had also had mental health problems. I eventually became a group leader which gave me a chance to help out. Because of this I tracked down a self help group for young people
for my Grandson but he was unable to go. I am hoping that down the road when he feels better he will reconsider.
I found it such a relief to know that I was not alone and that others struggled too.
Ainsleigh

how do you find a group

In my case I learned of a group called Recovery International founded by a Dr. Abraham Low. I was able to find a group that met not far from my home. I also read his book Mental Health Through Will Training. I believe he was ahead of his time and his program was probably the fore-runner of CBT which is widely used today. It was a huge help to me and to this day his training comes to my mind sometimes if I feel anxious. I do not know how many groups there are in the U.S. and Canada but am sure some research on the internet would provide that
info. In the case of my Grandson I looked up all the hospitals and mental Health groups in his city and was able to find a young peoples' peer support group for him which sounds great. However his anxiety prevents him from going at the moment. Maybe later-fingers crossed. I hope this will be helpful.
Ainsleigh

@ainsleigh

I found group work was very helpful, though I haven't been able to find one for a number of years.

Jim