Thread: seeking advice re: adult son

I'm a workaholic and I don't play video games, but I play other games or am busy surfing the net. It's a cycle, it's routine, it's like you're on the autobon (sp?) and can't find an exit ramp. If possible, maybe you can dig a bit deeper and find out why he's shutting himself off from the world..............being "burnt out" is just a symptom. I wish the best for you and your son.

Originally Posted by Kathy40

Hi, I was wondering of any other parents have had this issue. My son just turned 20 and lives at home with us, he appears stressed out about his job all he does is work, play video games and work some more. He will only talk if there is only one other person home ( hubby, daughter, or myself and no one else) If more than one person is home he sits in his room all the time. When others are home he tends to be very passive aggressive toward everyone and hates people and life. When I inquired he says " I am just burned out." Any suggestions on how to help him open up? He is most definitely a workaholic and he just told me that he can't sleep well averaging only a couple hours a night for weeks at a time. He doesn't appear depressed but if his attitude doesn't change I am unsure if I can deal with it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Your son needs help! If he's telling you he's burned out, then he's burned out and probably sees no light at the end of the tunnel. This is not real normal behavior for a 21 year old. Make an appt and take him to a doctor. Often depressed people need someone else to take the lead as they are too "mentally tired" to help themselves at first. He may resist but I would push it as you yourself are getting the brunt of his behavior, too. Good luck.

Originally Posted by desertdweller

Your son needs help! If he's telling you he's burned out, then he's burned out and probably sees no light at the end of the tunnel. This is not real normal behavior for a 21 year old. Make an appt and take him to a doctor. Often depressed people need someone else to take the lead as they are too "mentally tired" to help themselves at first. He may resist but I would push it as you yourself are getting the brunt of his behavior, too. Good luck.

I have to agree with the above poster. He is lost. This world is so messed up to start and he is trying hard to hide the pain that he is in...He has to be made to talk. He is not having any fun out of life and this can be an explosive situation...He should try to find friends to talk to and do fun things with them...Even if he went to play basketball with some friends or meet new people it is important...

Mentally tired is a great word...It is very difficult nowadays not being mentally tired...Take care and good luck....Caroline