Parents worried as 30-year-old son with social anxiety slips into depression
You can give him space and respect his autonomy while still making sure he has a safety net.
Dear Eric: Our 30-year-old son moved back in with us two years ago, unemployed and not seriously looking for employment. We insisted that he get a job. While he still goes to work every day, he hates this job and appears to be slipping into depression. He sleeps a lot, barely communicates with us, has almost no social life and shows little interest in activities that he used to enjoy.
He is bright but has a social anxiety disorder which makes him fearful of interviewing for jobs and speaking to a therapist. A few years ago, he agreed to see a therapist, which seemed to help, but after a brief time he quit going.