Can anyone tell me how to help my 24 yr old son. He just cries all the time, won't eat etc. He terrified me today, he can't even bring himself to speak. Any of you men been there?

Gosh how awful for you all. Has something happened in particular? has this just started all of a sudden? I am no expert but sounds like depression.


Soory I can't be of any help, but I'm sure you will receive some great support and advice here.

The title of the thread is broken heart therefore I am assuming he's been dumped, correct?

Well and truely, I'm off to Spain, dumped. He was attacked 2yrs ago and this set him back a bit convidence wise. He seemed to be back (almost) to his 'old' self. Then this happened several weeks ago. We could see it coming, even his brother tried give him a gentle warning but love really is blind in all ways. And now it's xmas and things have nose dived... I feel I should ring our doctor but is that over stepping the mark?

I don't think so, at best he can only give you some advice or refer you to some other person who can help.

I'm glad others are giving you advice. I can only offer support! I'm sure I have this coming at some stage in my son's life too in one form or other. People think boys are so tough but they aren't. My son, only 13 admittedly, was in tears at school the other week when he was sick and just wanted to come home! On that note you are probably doing what mum's do best by being there for him. If you think he is more than just broken hearted I would definitely seek help, has he no friends you can enlist? If nothing else get him doing mundane stuff around the house, keep him active, but try not to leave him on his own if you are really concerned he may try to harm himself.

The Dumping sounds like just another thing that has happened to him and is not the cause.

Calling a doctor would be the way to go, it would seem to me that also some counselling would help him regain his confidence

Hope this helps

If the issue is only a broken heart then the doctor ain't got no medicine for that.
On the rebound sex does wonders but I'm not sure a mother wants to help or hear this.
Plus I don't agree about doing mundane stuff in the house - it's simply not distracting enough - you don't think about the cleaning whilst actually doing it do you girls?
He needs to be out and about with his brother(s) and/or mates. You shouldn't proactively help him BUT you should be available for any support if requested (most probably indirectly)...

13 year old son. Your in for a bumpy ride when he discovers girls, they are so aggressive these days. As for my son, if only I could get him to do odd jobs at the moment we can't even get him out of bed. Anyway, I phoned our doctor who took it very seriously (she knows him very well) and told me to pop in late afternoon. Might not be the right choice but it's what my bones are telling me to do.

Always go with your gut feeling.

I'm sure sex would do him wonders but he wants that girl. They've been together a long time and were on the verge of moving in together. To make matters worse most of his friends are their friends, if you get what I mean. Also, he's not going to ask for support, he doesn't want support. He just wants her back. We know it's not going to happen but he doesn't. We can't offer him advice, there is no advice to give. I'm the one who needs advice because he just sits on his bed staring at the walls so, right or wrong, I'm off to our doctor.

Hasn't he got any close old friends who can give him a good slap to make him snap out of it??

No advice here, just offering my sympathy. There is not much anyone can do for a broken heart other than be there to listen when they want to start talking, venting and crying. Follow you instinct, as it seems you are by contacting the doctor.
It is worse this time of year too, being so close to Christmas I am sure that will make him even more depressed.
I hope he can get over this. It is never easy to lose someone you are in love with.
It took me a year to get over someone who dumped me and I wasn't 24! I was in my 40's and it was after my marriage had already broken up. I fell hard for someone completely unexpectedly. I will never forget the pain.
But life does go on....eventually.
Wishing you the best.

I'm npt looking forward to it, believe me! Already had a small taste, and yes, the girls are a lot crueller than when I was their age! They seem to think the boys don't have feelings. Hope you get some good advice at the doctors. Remember we are all here for when it gets tough.

Doctor says our son must get some sleep especially in light of his medical history. She's prescribed a mild sedative she's also recommended anti-depressives and counselling we he's able.