[einhverfr]

Something occurs to me when reading what you wrote here. I have heard folks who have struggled with depression (and not just suicidal depression) talk a lot about how important in person time was to recovering generally. I wonder how much depression is a social as opposed to a purely mental/neurological illness.

We humans need social contact and this has been known since at least the time of Aristotle (and probably time immemorial).

Perhaps you could answer this question: when your adult sons come over and care for you (this is a really great thing btw, and something we have lost as a society), is that in itself theraputic? Or is it just a stop-gap?

If it is theraputic, then we are missing a key piece of the discussion in the discourse of mental health.

[Mz]

My sons still live with me. They are both ASD and not very touchy-feely people. But they are very loyal to me. I have a deadly medical condition. Doctors told me "people like you don't get well" and washed their hands of responsibility. Since I have defective genes, it won't hurt their professional reputation if I die while under their care. That feels pretty awful to be on the receiving end of.

My sons are taking care of me so I can get well, physically. Part of that is dealing with the brain chemistry fall out as I fight the infections that overran my system, etc. Yes, over time, their devoted care is convincing me someone actually cares about me even though neither of them is the gushy type. They do the important stuff. They provide the care I need.

I was a homemaker and full time mom for many years. I took devoted care of them. The three of us are getting physically well together, but I was the sickest. So the care I gave them is coming back to me. That is a first for my life. For the most part, my emotional generosity has gotten me burned by other people.

tldr: It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that it is therapeutic.