I am 62 years old and am my son's carer, need advice

Hi @Cutter123

Firstly - yikes david ike!

If someone in my family was into that kind of thing, I probably wouldn't try and force them to stop listening, as hard as it might be - they'd probably just feel quite alienated and withdraw from me.  I guess I'd try to engage them about their interests - but try to diversify the conversation, diluting with chat about other theorists, and contrasting viewpoints - and also moving on to other stuff entirely (gym? personal targets? famous athletes and other role models?), so that hopefully, in time, they came away with a feeling that there is 'life beyond' etc.    But that's just what I would do... it may be entirely the wrong approach :S

The communication thing is worrying.  It's an enormous pressure; for one person to be someone's entire support network; and I can see why you feel trapped.  Essentially, by rejecting others and putting you in the position where you're the only one who can support him, your son is able to keep himself at the top of your priorities list.  He might not mean to - but this is kind of a type of control, and it sounds like it's in everyone's interests to break some of these patterns.

The angry shouting and swearing stuff is also not great.  What are his triggers?  
I wonder whether the Challenging Behaviour Foundation may have some resources that could help you with this.  

 My biggest point is that NO, you should DEFINITELY NOT feel guilty about going to work!!  Your life is your own; it's unrealistic (not to mention unkind) for anyone (your son or other people) to expect you to put your entire life on hold.   Yep, he's got some additional needs and it's likely that he'll need support from other people; but that isn't something you have to take on.  He is a grown-up now, after all.  Also, (as uncomfortable as it is to talk about)- you won't always be here.... ....The sooner he can establish some relationships outside of the mother-son dynamic, and become comfortable engaging with others, the easier it will be for him in the future.   And, the more fulfilled you are in the rest of your life (work, play, marriage, friends, finances, etc), the better source of support you can be to your son anyway.  

Which brings me onto your fourth point; being on antidepressants.  Your doctor is obviously noticing the strain (you don't get prescribed them without good cause) so it's clear that this situation is having a serious effect on your mental health.  (you don't mention your physical health, but it's one of the first things to suffer when stress and pressure is placed on carers).  In addition to any support offered by your GP, have you considered maybe hooking up with a carer / parents support group?  

There is lots of support out there - try approaching the adult social services team.  Explain that you're a carer to a disabled adult (and also if you're caring for your husband, mention this too) and need a carer needs assessment - some great info on this on the Carers UK website.  

Gotta dash, but keep your chin up.  Things will improve.

-B x