My son has severe social anxiety. He sweats uncontrollably when he is around people. He stays home in his room basically 24/7 and has no motivation to do anything besides game and smoke weed. My son is 18, turning 19 in Sept. I noticed a change in him when he started high school. He became very withdrawn from not only his friends but his family as well. His grades started to fall; then, he just stopped going to school. I tried to make a plan with his teachers to encourage him to be the best that he could be, but he never completed anything we set out for him. I spoke to a counselor at the school as I was under the impression he was being bullied for his size. My son is a bit chubby size. The counselor spoke with his teachers, who all said that my son is active in his classes and contributes to group projects. The counselor spoke with my son, but he didn’t open up about anything that was bothering him, so there was nothing more he could do unless my son reached out. I ended up pulling my son out of school, and he went to work with his dad. That lasted a month, and since then, he’s been a hermit. My son used to be the life of the party, popular at school, an active sports player even at his size, and he also had a YouTube channel where he would upload videos of him being a goofy dork, lol or some of his gaming videos. Now he is just cooped up in his room and only leaves to top up his weed. I’m scared of what is going thru his head while he’s in his room. He has been to the doctor who has put him on Duromine for his obesity. My son has recently been reaching out to me (I’m so thankful for this!), and it sounds like he is severely depressed as well. He wants to go back to who he was; he wants to be able to get out and hang with his friends; he wants to be part of family gatherings again. He just can’t find any motivation at all. I feel his pain; I fell victim to depression where I couldn’t get out of bed for weeks on end. I would just lie there and stare at the ceiling or play games on my phone. A death in the family snapped me out of it as I had to leave home, leaving my son behind. I guess what I’m asking for is any tips or advice to get him motivated. Is the weed depressing him? How can I help him more? Are there any remedies to help with the sweating? I really don’t want to medicate him, but if that will help, then we’ll give it a shot
As someone who suffers with depression and anxiety, I didn’t go to college for about 6 months straight. I’m the same age as your son and My best advice is to try different counselors, I had about 4 before I found someone that I could open up to. Try talking to him yourself, don’t pressure him to open up as this might make it worse. Let him open up in his own time, just ask him how he is and try and involve him in things. Growing up I wasn’t invited to anything because people knew I wouldn’t attend, this made my anxiety and abandonment issues 10 times worse, even if he doesn’t want to attend, it’s always nice to know the option is there. Have a look into the side effects of cannabis, I know some people who have been on medication and they didn’t work but weed helped them, and then I know people who had the opposite effect. I hope your son gets the help he needs x
I’m 21, this sounds like how I was at his age, even now I still get like this because I don’t have access to my therapist anymore. Weed will help the anxiety especially , but it excessive use will cause you to have no energy along with the depression. Before medication, try therapy. Medication stunted my process because there’s a lot of change at once and usually you just need a listening ear that has no idea what you’ve been through or who you are than you do antidepressants. It’s easier to get motivated by those we don’t know than those we do know because of our biased outlook. He needs a purpose to get up, something other than his video games. When I found small energy, I started playing soccer again. Eventually I’d go out, play by myself, and at the end celebrate with a joint. It made me feel productive and like I did something other than stay in and smoke my life away. Some days I’d regress, but you take it one day at a time. If he’s not ready to give up weed, trying to make him quit will cause everything to get worse. Instead, try to slow down how much he smokes. Cut his game off, tell him you’re taking him out, and go do something with him he used to love. It’ll take a minute at first, but once the competitive him starts to come out, he’ll feel how he used to, even for a moment, and it’ll motivate him. He just needs to be inspired again. I hope everything works out.
Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. How can I help my son through his social anxiety and depression?
Find another counselor, don’t give up. See an Endocrinologist have his hormones checked, it could be a thyroid problem, so many hormones can effect his moods, it’s not just women
I doubt it’s the weed. Take him back to the doctor and ask to be referred to a mental health professional.
If he’s self medicating with weed it’ll make his anxiety worse, not in the time he’s high but afterwards when he’s sober again. Doesn’t help at all, I learned the long and hard way, also may contribute to why he’s a little hemity, I’m all for weed but I do know sometimes it doesn’t help like it should. I don’t know what kind a medication but definitely just see what types of medicine or other options a doctor would recommend.
Look up the side effects of the medication he is on.
How is he smoking all day with no job lol? Asking for a friend 
a counsellor could help
Talk to his doctor and get him a real therapist not a school counselor. As someone who has battle with depression and anxiety since childhood I can tell you that most of those “home remedies” don’t do anything. Seek professional help
Talk to someone at a dispensary. There are strains that will help his anxiety without affecting other functions. But weed wont cause the excessive sweating, which may actually be one of the triggers for his social anxiety and depression.
As someone who suffers with depression and anxiety, I didn’t go to college for about 6 months straight. My best advice is to try different counselors, I had about 4 before I found someone that I could open up to. Try talking to him yourself, don’t pressure him to open up as this might make it worse. Let him open up in his own time, just ask him how he is and try and involve him in things. Growing up I wasn’t invited to anything because people knew I wouldn’t attend, this made my anxiety and abandonment issues 10 times worse, even if he doesn’t want to attend, it’s always nice to know the option is there. Have a look into the side effects of cannabis, I know some people who have been on medication and they didn’t work but weed helped them, and then I know people who had the opposite effect. I hope your son gets the help he needs x
If he is not working or making money how does he pay for the weed? He should look for a job doing something he enjoys doing like working at a game stop store or somewhere that sells video games
I know everyone says “it can’t be the weed.” Normally weed makes people happier, or can help with depression. My oldest uses it because he is borderline schizophrenic and it helps him. But for me, weed causes extreme depression, paranoia, and panic. I’m an oddball for sure but if one person can have those negative side effects I’m sure another can as well. It could be that he has an underlying hormone or endocrine disorder that causes depression. Especially since this started in early high-school when puberty becomes either your best friend or worst enemy. Totally get him a good blood work up, therapy, and ween off the weed. If the weed was going to help his depression it would have done so by now.
Get him a medical Marijuana card and get weed that helps with that. There are many strains of weed. And certain strains increase anxiety. Definitely good to be educated on it and know its medical purpose
Maybe get him into therapy?
Being someone who went through this, I would say just be there for him like you have. Take him out of his comfort zone by going for walks together, the gym, something active but fun. Remind him to get to his old self he is going to have to get uncomfortable. It’s not going to be easy but small steps each day will help him not only get back to his old self, but it will help him find his new self and whatever he learns on this journey will help him if he ever ends up back in the same spot. Tell him he is not alone. I didn’t want to go to a counselor so I resorted to listening to Law of attraction coaching on YouTube. Free and he can listen in his own comfort. Positive vibes sent your way!
Suggest that the both of you go to
Counseling together.
It won’t hurt. You need help too. So
that you can deal with your depression too.
Therapy, open lines of communication, medicine medical marijuana, are all great the most important thing that it seems like you’re already doing is being supportive and the fact that he’s expressed an interest in wanting to change it’s a good thing and that’s what you should hang on to both of you and work towards that together maybe set small goals that can be accomplished whether it’s going for a walk, if your son didn’t finish school maybe try having him look into different GDP or programs that he can sign up for and finish school or figure out / help him decide what would be the best options for him
something had to have happened at the school. That was a drastic change from doing good to, all of a sudden, not want to go. It’s more then just being bullied. He’s already 18 and considered an adult. you can’t make him go. You can just advice that he see a s
eek help. Unless, you find that he’s a danger to himself
or others then you can get a TDO.
Weed will definetly reduce his motivation to do things. Sounds like he needs a workout partner, a fire set under his butt and a counselor to talk to
I wish I could give you advice, I too struggle with extreme social anxiety, sweats and all, it sucks and its soooooo embarrassing,… but I can tell you that I lack confidence in myself, I’ve noticed once I feel good about myself it’s easier to go out and get a couple things from the store or even pump the gas, I accidentally subscribed to the app Calm, shit took 74$ for the year about a month ago, well lately I’m like, I gonna get my money’s worth lol so I’ve been using it, to meditate after I smoke, (weed), and it helps me tremendously. Also changing my eating times, I only eat from 12-6 & upping my water intake, (with lemons or berries), has seemed to help also. I hope he can get to feeling like himself​:pleading_face: because I know the feel, and it is hard,
be strong mama, you’re an angel for not giving up or judging him​:purple_heart:
Does he work? Go to school does he take care of himself: bath, eat,
Get him help if he’s not being responsible for his own care
I would say talk to the doctors maybe it’s a side effect of the medications
go to counseling for each of you and sessions with both of you. maybe some meds would help him. convince because he is 18 to apply medical card
take care
I think the best way to get him out of that space, is reminding him how it felt to do the activities he like, i would say start motivating him, in fact it could be a family thing, to go out and work out and exercise. That will defenetly give him the motivation, regarding the sweat issue, he would have to speak with a specialist because there are treatments for that. As a mom to another, don’t get frustrated as long as you keep trying and keep having that comunication, I’m sure your close to finding a solution✨
This is heartbreaking, I pray that you can get the help he needs and it works. My heart goes out to you, your son and everyone involved. Don’t give up hunny 
Give him lots of milk that would help wear out the drugs from his body. Milj of magnesium is helpful also build his mind and strengthen his immune
Went through this with my son, just without the weed. I feel like those years he was like this, I didn’t breathe. I was constantly in fear for his life, wouldn’t leave him home alone , at all. I’d check on him throughout the nights to make sure he was still breathing, knocked on the bathroom door if he seemed to be in there a little too long. Eventually medication and therapy helped, and we talked openly with each other. If I felt he was starting to slip back into it, I would say something, make sure he was ok. He’s a totally different person today, no longer on medication or in therapy, and has no problem using them in the future if/when he needs them. He went back to school and completed a 2 year culinary program, now has a good paying job, with health insurance at a local restaurant. He actually hangs out with friends and his girlfriend often. We’re still working on the driving thing, he has a problem with taking that first big step, but once he’s there, he takes off. Keep talking to him, encourage him to get into therapy, medication if necessary. Try to convince him to at least cut down on weed, or do without until he can get a handle on mental health. My son smokes as well, but it’s not an every day thing, just something to relax to with friends, or after a long day. My heart breaks for you and your child. It’s one of the hardest things to see your child suffer in this way, and not be able to fix it.
He more than likely has social anxiety disorder. My son is the same way. He’s very popular and knows a lot of people but gets through his depression by seeing a psychiatrist and distances himself from everyone including me. He only goes out and interacts with others unless he feels comfortable to leave his comfort zone. He also refuses to be prescribed any meds and drinks seldom and doesn’t so drugs. I’ve tried talking to him and offer support but he has to get through this himself and the only things we can do is hope and pray that he comes out stronger. Praying for you and your son from a mother who has went through it as well.
Get his cortisol, thyroid, b12, calcium and iron test
Work out with him… not just to lose weight but working out is like the sure way to proven a persons mental health. If you ask me, exercising is the only solution to this depression. Make it fun and try hard to be consistent. Challenge each other. I saw a video once that “motivation” is the ONLY and MAIN reason things do or don’t get done. It all falls on motivation. Even on the corporate world. So the struggle really is HOW to motivate him, not so much what to do but how to get him to want to do it. But I really have faith in exercise. Imagine… he’s starts at it. Loses weight, feels better mentally, starts to look good, feels good in his clothes, feels more confident, feels more energy, starts to be noticed more by others, becomes more social, makes more friends, goes out more and I mean the list goes on. Exercise is a sure thing!
Weed could be adding alot to the situation. I’m not anti weed, but it’s be easy to lose your motivation if that’s all you do. Can you talk him into a walk around the block w/ you? Then expand the distance slowly. The fresh air might do him good. This will sound off the wall crazy, but consider getting him a diamond painting kit, of a gaming character he likes. The hobby is affordable, and very zenful. Its helped me w/ my depression.
Please get him to a mental health provider, many even have “Skype” type of appointments so he doesn’t even have to leave the house until he feels more ready. Also, let them know about ALL medications (weed too) that he takes even supplements because maybe they are interacting or causing/contributing to his symptoms. He can do school on line & find social groups as well(so can you) a social worker or mental health provider will be able to direct you to resources. You do whatever needs to be done if that means medication to help then that what needs to be done, it doesn’t necessarily mean he will need them forever. Good luck to you.
Me personally, weed does not help me, I think it made my anxiety worse and it made me eat a lot and I gained a lot of of weight. I stopped smoking since January and I’ve lost alot of weight. It’s hard to feel motivated on weed, for me anyways. But yea, therapy and a psychologist could help him in the right direction. He will also regret not finishing high school one day.
97% serotonin and dopamine and other neurotransmitters are produced in the GUT not the brain. Biggest cause of mental health issues is almost always gut health and/or hormones, thyroid, nutrition deficiencies. But docs don’t have testing for this you have to find a functional medicine doctor or a naturopath that can do a gi map stool test and an oats test that will tell you everything u need to know about his gut microbiome and anything off with bacteria levels, inflammation, parasites, neurotransmitter levels etc these tests aren’t usually covered by insurance but trust me they tell u everything u need to know and are super accurate and well well worth the money because you’re looking at info no other test can show u down to specific levels of good and bad bacteria. Instead of blindly trying supplements you need to know exactly what’s off and needing supported in his system
Prayer, intercession, fight for your baby my son was younger wen he went threw this most of everything he went threw an you’ve done I went threw my baby just didn’t smoke I prayed I trusted god he’s struggling wit mental illness , there’s not a hole lot we can do but love an encourage an speak life into them trust me it will change my baby still goes threw spurts of negativity but I’m telling you god turned it around he changed his diet himself lost weight , draws or writes down his problems he’s in the mist of writing a book really he’s more in tuned with us again , trusting in god again I’m telling you prayer keep the faith you got this momma I suffer from mental illness too but I keep goin for my kids an I didn’t dare want it to attack my child like it did trust me there were really dark times really dark but we came up out he’s 16 now I started goin threw this at about 13 in half so no worries it will change I got him on meds which didn’t quite work out , got him in counseling which is soso got him back goin to school I mean it’s just one day it changed I will pray for you an yours truley trust god this to shall pass blessings
Definitely find a counselor he can cinnect with. You don’t have to like the counselor, but he has to trust them, which means you may end up with someone you would not be comfortable talking to at all. Go to a good psychological clinic that has a reputable psychiatrist to prescribe medicines that can help. He may need to try a few counselors and/or meds. Let him try medical marujuana. It works when nothing else has…experience with 3 teens who are troubled.
If hes already a cannabis consumer, look into CBD. It is honestly so over looked but CBD does WONDERS for many things including anxiety and depression. I myself have severe anxiety, especially social and I found a balance of THC and CBD that has helped tremendously. Encountered things that usually would have been a trigger and was able to get through it without totally loosing it.
CBD OIL…meditation!!!
Sounds like he needs to be on meds and get him counseling. Needing meds is not bad and nothing to be ashamed of. His brain just might not be making the serotonin he needs.
As someone with hyperhidrosis (sweat more than normal), Carpe is a brand of antiperspirant that helps with the sweating.
Might be Duromine side effects. Should definitely read up on it.
Also Depending on the strain of weed and what times he smokes could also play a part in not wanting to be active.
I would get a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) so he can learn the reason he thinks the way he is currently about his social anxiety etc and then learn how to shift his thoughts to better serve him. Also, some type of mood stabilizer or antidepressant may be a good idea to get him back on track again.
Good luck!
No remedies for sweating but anxiety a therapist and meds
Medication was the only thing that helped me. I was very similar… A bit outgoing and had a small, but reliable circle. That changed dramatically when I was 17. I would get tunnel vision when in crowds, no matter how small. I did pass out a few times from panic attacks.
Speak with a professional to try to get solid diagnosis, and go from there.
Try Zero Sweat. You can buy it on Amazon. They have an underarm product and lotion for your body. One of the meds I was previously on made me sweat and I used it for awhile. It works.
Besides getting him help, I’d try to get him to leave his room more. Footballs starting up, call him down stairs and try to get him to watch the game with you. Look up healthy but delicious snacks. Maybe considering getting a pet if you don’t have one? They’re good for depression and if you get a dog he may be inclined to take it out to play. 
For someone who has been thru this not to long ago I’d say take him back to the doctor and have him see a one on one therapist or an outpatient program which is what I’m doing now and I’m telling u that helps a lot more than just regular therapy bc u get everything u need and it takes u out of the environment ur used to for a few hrs
Maybe start with the gym or a boxing class to release some tense, maybe start writing, spiritual time…
Playing Devils advocate here…if he isn’t working im assuming you are paying for his weed…stop doing that and it will force him to work and slowly but surely he will notice what is wrong and what isn’t and then you guys can look into a plan further down the road if work isn’t enough social life for him
Kick him out. His an adult, time to get a job. Enabling won’t help him.
Take him to a therapist and a dr.
Medicating isnt the answer.Medicating is just covering the issue with a bandaid.Those kids who bullied him achieved their goal by trying to point out his weakness. Bullies always go for people who they find different. To deal with a bully you show them how much you dont give a shit what they think. Not everyone can do that. I to went through a period especially in gradedchool where I was bullied for being different and having a feminine body at a young age. It took me a while to recover from that.
I’m so sorry, I wish I could give some encouraging advice.
I had severe anxiety last year (still have it to some extent, but it has gotten much better), and what helped me the most was my family being understanding and pushing me to go forward. I don’t encourage you to push too hard, but just give gentle nudges here and there where he is willing to try.
Also seeing a therapist might help as well, anxiety often come from some kind of trauma, and whether you know it or not, there might have happened something at school which made him this way, or something else. Kids won’t always share everything with their parents.
Also as some others has suggested, meditation and CBD, I have yet to try CBD myself, but I have only heard great things about it.
I found though, that meditation helped me a lot and let me explore my mind, and learn what triggered it and such.
Like said above,first get his thyroid,b12,calcium,iron checked out. Rule out everything before getting him on medication. I no, some people have to have meds, sometimes that’s the only thing that helps. And that’s ok too.
Coming from experience though,depending on what medication he well be prescribed some of it is scary. Horrifying actually. Yes everyone is different. I tried 4 different anxiety/depression medications-6months at a time. They are just awful. 1-made me feel like a zombie. 2-Had ZERO emotion 3-Felt like I was floating through the day. 4- Horrible withdrawals when I wanted to stop taking them. 5- one side effect which I wasn’t aware of until afterwards is called “Jolts” it literally felt like electric jolts going through my body every time I-moved my eyes,took a step,turned my head, just about anytime I moved a muscle.
Please try everything before getting him on medication. Again I no everyone is different but for me,it was miserable.
Ashwaganda it’s a natural depression anxiety pill or chewable.
I hope this somewhat helps. I’m 22 years old and I’ve been through the same exact thing if that’s what you could call it? I smoke weed daily to suppress the anxiety and depression, as much as it physically stops the heart break in my chest theres a whole that never goes away. And all it takes is a swift thought, It could be from the littlest of things but mine started within myself. Just hated my appearance, thought I was worthless. The whole book you name it, you looked at me like? Eh yuck, I already had it in my mind 24/7. And all I done was set my self off, a ticking time bomb really. I needed help. Took the hardest courage and strength within myself to reach out and ask. I ended up being prescribed medication, the crazy thing is it was all normal. I didn’t stop smoking and haven’t. But… they help to calm me In open areas. I can sit without shaking or fidgeting. And it’s all due to my overthinking. Please try get him to talk and open up, it’s really really hard from both sides. But maybe slowly start taking his wall down. Idk invite a few mates over, have a bbq. Or just a family day out to show appreciation and love for each other. Even dinners just to chat idk. I’m not sure at all but make him feel apart. If anything he feels useless. Everyone had high hopes for him. And now he may feel like a failure. Not living up to their expectations. I hope this helps and I hope sometime soon he sees his worth.
There’s something that I suggest if you want to try something all natural that works. It’s on Amazon and it’s called AnxioCalm by terry naturally. If you have more questions feel free to DM me.
Just needs more weed.
STOP SMOKING WEED!!!
Sounds like he’s high and being lazy, and your allowing him to do so🤔
Some people have a chemical imbalance and need antidepressants. It could have been something that happened while going through puberty, or triggering event. Mine, for me was the death of my Mom. I would also look in to the side effects of his weight medicine and take him off of that….just my opinion. What doctor puts a young man on medicine for weight 
? Basically yall have to just keep trying until yall find something that works best for him but you have to plead with him to open up in order to get help. Also, you’re doing more than enough by being understanding and wanting to learn and help him during his difficult time.
I have severe anxiety and depression. Only thing to help me was medication and therapy. Just know it takes months to fully start working.
If he wasn’t doing bad in school and there was no bullying I feel that taking him out may have only been unintentional enabling these diseases. I have lived with this my whole life too and honestly one the best things you can do is just get them involved with others.
And school kinda forces that, which is good.
And if you’re really truly concerned, have him petitioned for a week so that he can talk with councilors and specialist and others who have been fighting with this their whole lives. So he can get ideas and helpful information on how to continue battling this. Because the truth is, this will never fully go away it will always remain there, and there will always be that chemical imbalance in his brain.
And sometimes that’s just the sorta “reboot” we all need at times. There is no shame in it what so ever. Unless you make it seem shameful to him, which I hope you understand is only going to make him feel worse. Because I’m sure he is trying, but he’s reached that point and if he’s asking for help. Dear god take him in because that’s the last warning sign you’ll ever hear.
I stopped reading at “he plays games and smokes weed.” Turn off the internet, take his games, and don’t give him money for weed. Watch how quickly he gets out of his room.
Gym and therapies and do it with him x I hope he gets better
I have social anxiety and a panic disorder. I am on a few meds. Weed does help me a little also. Also, maybe a gym membership if he is embarrassed about his weight.
Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. How can I help my son through his social anxiety and depression?
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My son has social anxiety as well. We decided to put him on Zoloft. It has helped.
He is self medicating already with weed. Your son is old enough that if he wants to go back to who he was before to go an see a counselor, a psychologist or even psychiatrist for that matter. Its not about what you want to do about him its what he wants. Maybe an antidepressant would help him snap out of the funk? Maybe opening up to a 3rd party is what he needs? The only way to help, us to listen to him, support what he is asking (you are obviously ok with him smoking in the home), and let him lead the way.
The weed helps and is safer than any medication you can get from a doctor. He needs to set a small goal and accomplish it himself. slowly making more goals until he can join life again. Depression is real and it will always circle back. Doing nothing is making him worse and more secluded. Good luck!
Sounds like weed is the culprit
I’m not one for medication but at my lowest I had to my doctor put me on zoloft and I didn’t like it then I tried effoxor and it helped and I was on it for a few months and I snapped out of it and weaned myself off …I sometimes get anxiety so I just take a adivan for it. But I’m fine now not sleeping all day but I’m still trying to Motivate myself to go out I still don’t…I get invited and I don’t go …my head tells me it’s too much work physically and mentally to prepare for it …so I don’t
The pot could be causing the anxiety and depression.
Especially the no motivation.
You can get a referral from his regular doctor to be evaluated. But they won’t evaluate him until he stops smoking pot. He can be seen for counseling until then.
Is he going to school or a planning on it? Does he work? If it’s no to any of those then he needs to get off his butt and be a functioning member of society - give him a reason to leave his room.
My son went through a depression when he was that age and I remember him saying “I don’t have a purpose”
Well, we went to the doctor to talk about natural options to work through his feelings, went to a therapist. He started working out again. I had him sit down and write out a list of goals - and then small steps on how to reach those goals. I made strict rules about drinking and drugs in my home. No drugs allowed and no drinking by himself. If he didn’t find a job right away then he still needed to get up by 9am, look for work, do household jobs, stuff like that - be an adult. I know many people will think I am a hard a@@ but as he got older he thanked me for the tough love.
The phones and screens effect my social anxiety and depression. Through the mercy of Jesus Christ He has made everything better. Just takes a step toward faith, baby steps are fine​:sparkling_heart:
Marijuana is not a depressant. But if his motivation started slipping its because of whatever strain he is taking. There are so many different types of cannabis nowadays and a professional would be able to guide towards one that doesnt make him sluggish and lack energy. At this point all you really can do is support him. Maybe have him join you in some physical activity that he may enjoy. Being summer swimming g is a great source of exercise.
It’s not his problem. It’s a family problem and everyone should be involved in counseling to help themselves help him.
Professional help…not a school counselor.
He needs to see a psychologist. To give him coping tools, help him understand what’s going on. Medication alone doesn’t always work. Sometimes the side effects make it worse. Therapy will give him a safe place to open up. Don’t wait.
I am a bit teary eyed, because the support I feel coming through from you to him is a breath of fresh air. Obviously, it is amazing that he is able to utilize the medicinal properties of weed without having to fight for that right. Continue the conversation you mentioned, and let him know anti depressant medication from a psychiatrist could also help and he would just have to suffer through the visits to start him off. He could probably do it virtually. It is really very important to get out doors and not be in front of a screen around the clock, so he really needs to make just doing absolutely anything outside for a few hours a day. If you have a yard or whatever, even just smoking a joint or blunt while sitting or standing outside and looking at trees and whatever is around him is a huge step forward.
Maybe something traumatic happened at a party/outing that just really stayed with him and caused the separation/anxiety. If it was that big of a change in him, something happened. If therapy is going on, maybe switch therapist to someone he may be more comfortable with. Also as a regular cannabis user, different strains have different effects. Just the difference between an indica and a sativa can help.
Every Teenager is different… but they all turn into Aliens for a short period of time in different ways. Sadly you cannot help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves but just let him know you are there for him and if it’s more than Teen Hormones then hopefullyhe will open up to you when he is ready. Can I ask how he is financing his habit?
Told your son to pray or you ask Help of God
He could be addicted to weed
Ask around for a highly recommended psychiatrist.
I smoke weed and it definitely makes you lazy depending on the strain u smoke. I would suggest he gets sativa strains of weed. Sativa often produces a “mind high,” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. If you use sativa-dominant strains, you may feel productive and creative, not relaxed and lethargic. Also give him energizing drinks throughout the day. He will have no choice but to be happy and more energetic 
also lots of love and patience 
Weed makes me lazy
You should seek a certified therapist. Keep an eye on him and check on him frequently when he’s in his room. I feel sad for him. I wonder if he was abused sexually and that trauma is what’s triggering this. Praying for your son
A good mixed martial arts academy explain how he’s feeling to them& literally if he is willing to give it a try the confidence & fitness the exhilaration from acheiving & the friends he will make be a game changer my daughter had slowly introduced 121 sessions at first shes a different person nearly a year on xx
Maybe encourage him to research cannabis? Its hard to find doctors that truly work with you, its been so stigmatized but there are Sativa’s and Indicas and they honestly play a large role in if your cannabis is making you “lazy” or energetic. Someone with ADHD isnt looking for the same thing someone needing energy is smoking but there is a kind to help with both! Maybe Delta 8/9 for public spaces? I use that now when i have meetings that seem a bit stressful. I suffer from agoraphobia and cannabis as changed my life for the better. It’s no different than anxiety meds and such, you have to find what works for you.
Support and affirming statements will go a long way as well. Remind him he doesnt need to be skinny or popular, its not about the things that are wrong with him but he does need to be happy
He needs a therapist to help him work through the social anxiety and a psychiatrist. I don’t agree with the others that weed is the culprit. I don’t condone it and I would not recommend it. I see the weed as self medicating.
Get him off the weed ! I smoked for 30 years and Finally got the monkey off my back - I can take it or leave it now- it is much stronger now than back in my day so it gives me extreme anxiety- while it is natural relying on the weed for whatever reasons will change your mood-
Ps many will say smoke a different strain - bla bla - stop smoking enjoy the world straight it’s a beautiful thing ! Been there done that -
Try to talk him just smoking CBD some people get anxiety from weed also he may need depression meds. This happened to my son as well when he turned 17. He was active in sports at school he was a good student and then bam he fell into a deep depression. I took him to the Dr and he was put on meds but they didn’t help. I think some boys go through this when they reach the age of young adult. I watched both my son’s go through it. They are ok now but it was a scary situation for me because as a mom I didn’t know what to do. Just keep talk to him and let him know you’re his biggest supporter. He will come out of it. Good luck and God bless!
He needs to stop smoking weed. It can cause you to be unmotivated. He also needs to see a counselor. Not the school one. A professional one
I’m 21, this sounds like how I was at his age, even now I still get like this. Weed will help a lot, but it excessive use will cause you to have no energy. It sounds he’s more depressed than anxious right now. Before medication, try therapy. Medication stunted my process because there’s a lot of change at once and usually you just need a listening ear that has no idea what you’ve been through or who you are. It’s easier to get motivated by those we don’t know than those we do know because of our biased outlook. He needs a purpose to get up, something other than his video games. When I found small energy, I started playing soccer again. Eventually I’d go out, play by myself, and at the end celebrate with a joint. It made me feel productive and like I did something other than stay in and smoke my life away. If he’s not ready to give up weed, trying to make him quit will cause everything to get worse. Instead, try to slow down how much he smokes. Cut his game off, tell him you’re taking him out, and go do something with him he used to love. It’ll take a minute at first, but once the competitive him starts to come out, he’ll feel how he used to, even for a moment, and it’ll motivate him. He just needs to be inspired again. I hope everything works out. Please be careful to which advice you listen to from these forums.
He needs medication! Nothing wrong with it !! U have to do something before its too late.