Nak,

I was not depressed when I left prison and none of my buddies were either. I think maybe your son is predisposed to depression and the re-entry has just made it worse. Also if anyone has a reason to be depressed, it would be your son. He has so much nonsense to deal with.

Here is what I would do if he were my son, particularly since I have a background in medicine. I would give him a few more weeks and see if his mood changes. If it does not, I would make an appointment with a health care professional for his depression. I would start with a trusted family physician to begin with. Most family doctors can treat simple depression/anxiety in the majority of cases, especially with all the modern meds which have been marketed in the last several years.

The newer antidepressants are from an entire different family than the old tricyclic antideprssants formerly used. The are called SSRIs and are not only effective, but they also have very few side effects. They use a lot of Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft, and Lexapro. My son is on Celexa and it pulled him right out of his depression.

Of course, it is for the doctor to diagnose and decide the best treatment. Maybe the doctor believes that with counseling and other methods will work without any meds. I am just telling you what is available and what I would do. I do not know your son or his particular situation, so I cannot say for sure.

A lot of people remember how the older antidepressants sometimes did not work well and some people really had a bad experience with the side effects. Things have changed today for the better.

They might have to try several meds while adjusting the dosage and you might have to wind up seeing a health professional, but don't give up.

Some people think that a person can "just pull out of it" if they are severely depressed. If your son has a major depressive episode, he will not pull out of it without meds, as the depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain area.

People have varying opinions on meds for treating mental problems, but I have seen antidepressants practically perform miracles on people who were severely depressed.

rewdiazepam

I was also not depressed after my return home. I had a period of adjustment and worsened PTSD, but no depression. On the other hand, I did have some anxiety issues. However, I am very adaptable and have an aggressive personality type. I was, and am, much older than your son.
Tim was very helpful in getting me to talk out things. I remember him saying that it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you. This was in response to some PO issues I was having at the time.
I agree with Rew. It may be his nature. If so, it can be helped.

Thanks Rew, But my son won't go to a doctor and he won't take meds.

He will be going back to 'therapy' either SO or mental health.. either way his therapist is going to just talk with him, like with Coolrich's doc. But for now he's out of treatment until it's mandatory.. probably a few weeks. I actually think it will help for him to have someone to talk with, even tho he doesn't.

Maybe it's just anxiety, like you say CR. My son isn't adaptable. He's always had these kind of issues. He's a very smart guy and he knows what's going on, and what he has to do, but it's hard for him to get motivated.. He's tired and sometimes has trouble getting his day going.

It's just been a tough week. He was coming to work and now he'll come in for a few hours and then go home.

Nako,
It is a major adjustment for him. He probably feels his life is ruined beyond repair. He also may think that everyone knows he is a RFSO, like it is tattooed on his forehead. Both are anxiety producing.
The longer he lets these feelings be in control, the harder it will be to shake them. I think the therapy may help also. It helped me.