Help! Son in existential depression

Hello-all-

Am looking for some advice, as my 22 year old son is going through existential depression.  He dropped out of college in March, after 2 1/2 years of success in college, followed by 4 unsucessful semesters. 

He was suffering from depression at the time, and has tried numerous medications and been in and out of therapy for quite some time.

Now he is experiencing great anxiety/panic over his questions of existence.  He came to me one night in a panic, stating that he needs to know that there is an "afterlife" in order to feel good about his existence now.  I feel like he "overthinks" everything and obsesses over watching documentaries and podcasts about topics that are "out there".  I am really worried about him! He has isolated himself from friends, because they do not share his ideals (vegetarianism, etc.) I have tried to talk to him about the fact that it's ok to have fun, and that no one knows what tomorrow will bring- so focus on, and enjoy, today. 

Luckily, once a week, he is seeing a psychologist now who he relates to, and I am hoping and praying that this will help! I guess at this point I have tried to leave it in the hands of the professionals, because I really don't know how to handle this!! 

It seems like we all question existence at that age. I know I did for awhile. But he has to have faith and know how to take life one day at a time. Mindfulness helps with this. That if focusing on the moment at hand. It is hard, hopefully the doc will inspire him with this. I agree with Trina, if the doc doesn't work, try pastorial counseling. Though for someone with mental illness, religion isn't wise to get into. But he needs support.

I hope things get better. One day at a time...

I think that the psychologist will be a huge help...

Hugs, Karen...

Hello .....

   Please do give the psychologist a chance (at least months) - especially if your son relates to the psychologist.

   Long ago, when i was his age - i did not get concerned about my existence - but i did get involved with how i fit in with various religions - challenging the beliefs of some.

   I also was very confused with what i wanted to do in life - needed family guidance - and didn't get it! I dropped out of school twice, went to 4-different colleges/universities and changed my major two times.

   My youngest daughter got her B.A. in 4-years and her M.A. in 1-year. Life just isn't all that clear for all of us though - like my own college career for example.

   Keep giving your son moral support. It helps so much. And know that it will be appreciated by him for his whole life.

Rob & Gizmo

 

I wonder if grief counseling would help? To lose people in such a short amount of time is hard. I sure do hope he feels better and that the psychologist can continually help him. I feel for you worrying about it. It is hard when we cant' fix the ones we love. But time will.

Hang in there...

Hugs, Karen...

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I was wondering if your son is still having trouble dealing with this? Your son's story may as well be my own, I am about the same age as him and recently had to make some serious life changes (dropping out of college, moving back home, etc.) in the midst of a severe existential crisis. It's an extremely terrifying thing to go through, and looking at forums like this online really helped me to know that I was not alone. I've never posted on these before, but I feel like it's important to help others get through this because I know how it feels. From what I've read, the death of someone close to you can be a huge trigger, as it forces you to not only accept the death of your loved one or friend, but to come to terms with death itself. Most people live their entire lives without a thought to their ultimate fate, but going through an existential crisis like this forces you to come to terms with your own mortality and the mortality of everyone you love. It sounds like this is what he may be going through, and this is why I also could not eat meat for a very long time because it was nothing but a reminder of death and all I could think about was the fact that I was eating a dead animal. Morbid, maybe, but truth. I won't go into too many details about my own experiences, but know that your son is not alone and that it will get better. It will take lots of time, but that is what he needs in order to figure out this thing we call life.

The only advice I can give you is to be patient, I know you may not understand what he is going through but the fact that you are on this forum shows how much you care about him. Spending time learning is important and it sounds like that is what he needs right now (what I needed, as well) so be patient. It took me a lot of searching in order to find some knowledge and truth to hold on to and I've found many things that have helped me, but if I had to recommend any one of them to your son it would be to read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-Now-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808) I think it has helped me immensely on this journey. Message me if you have any questions, sending lots of love your way! :)

A.L.

Some people have a strong faith, some believe in Karma and it goes on.

We can't talk about religion here. However I am allowed to state facts.

The member 'Gizzy and me' passed away last year from cancer. The fact that you chose to use this thread, instead of create your own, tells me our member is still trying to help others.

This is because of who he was, not soley because you chose this thread.

Peace
Trina