Setting guidelines/directions for 23 year old son

[Hope05]

How do I set guidelines and parent a son whose current “choices” include “working out and getting some sun” to feel better about himself before trying to get a job or return to school?

We’ve just gone through a failed semester, depression due to breakup of girlfriend, suicide attempt with Baker act, inpatient treatment for dual diagnosis of alcoholism and mental illness. He is going to AA meetings,(about 5/wk), but has no income. Does small jobs around the house to earn enough $ for cigarettes.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Feeling Better]

Hi there Hope05, I would like to welcome you here 

I’m sorry to hear of your problems with your son, I hope that we can offer you the help and support that you need right now.

Sounds like you are in quite a frustrating situation at the moment. I can see why your son has made his current choices - working out and getting some sun - yes, both good for depression but they should not be his only choices. I would imagine he has low self esteem and maybe him getting a job or even doing voluntary work would help. Perhaps you could broach this with him in a loving and supportive way?

He is moving forward himself by attending AA meetings, all credit to him, he is making the effort to help himself.