NEW TO FORUM – PARENT OF ADULT SON DIAGNOSED

Hello, my name is Shawna and my 36-year-old son was diagnosed with GBS in January of 2024.  It was a quick onset on the heels of getting over COVID.  He lost his ability to use his legs, arms/hands, along with short-term memory loss.  He was hospitalized for almost 2 months.

He has regained the ability to walk and use his arms/hands, but he still struggles with all of it.  He tires easily while doing anything physical and is constantly fatigued.  He is not 100% and has good and bad days.  Not only has this been a physical struggle but it has been a huge emotional struggle.  Since his diagnosis his life seems to have spiraled out of control in so many areas, including work and family life (marriage).  He is angry, depressed, anxious to name a few things he has experienced.  He has said he feels lost and worthless.  My heart is breaking into a million pieces because this is not the son I know.  He says no one around him understands what he is going through, and he is right.  I do not know what to do to help him, nor what advice to give him.  I’m at a loss.  I feel like my daughter-in-law and I have tried so many things and nothing seems to work/help.

He has just recently started taking anti-depressants, counseling and attending a men’s group through church.  I believe he would benefit from participating in a group like this and talking with those who can relate to him, but I am not confident he will be doing that anytime soon.  I would really appreciate feedback of any kind to help me, help him get through this.