Signs of depression?

This is all according to you. Maybe when he’s talkative, it doesn’t mean he’s happy. Maybe when he’s quiet and by himself, it doesn’t mean he’s depressed. There’s nothing wrong with sleeping, being quiet and playing guitar all day. I wish more people would do that rather than live their wasteful lives. As to the drinking and the smoking, I can’t tell if there is a problem based on your details alone.

Set good examples for him by living a stellar lifestyle yourself.

nagging drives people to withdrawal, commonly confused with depression

And if he really “sings” of depression, then that guitar will come in very handy.

I know a lot of antisocial people that aren’t depressed.
I know a lot of people with few friends that aren’t depressed.
I know a lot of people that drink and smoke regularly that aren’t depressed.
I know a lot of people that sleep and are quiet that aren’t depressed.
I know a lot of people that play guitar constantly that aren’t depressed.
I know a lot of people that are quiet and antisocial but become more talkative when they drink, then turn into “happy drunks” that aren’t depressed.

Some people just like their solitude / beer / smokes / sleep / silence / music. He could be depressed, sure, but as Simone_De_Beauvoir said, what you’ve said doesn’t necessarily lead to this conclusion.

IMO yes. He may need someone to listen to him who is non-judgmental to his situation.

Thank you all- very helpful. I think is just his personality.
I’m just a worried single parent that’s all. :)

@Amazebyu, you know your son better than all of us. If you feel his personality or his behaviour has changed then that could be a sign that he is depressed. It is very hard to know from what you have posted here and of course, I am not a medical doctor.

I can understand that you are concerned though and I think it is good that you are reaching out to get some guidance on whether your son might have a problem. Much better that you do that than ignore the situation.

I would start by talking to your son. I have a teenager and I know how hard it can be to get them to open up about such things but perhaps if you pick your moment carefully and make it about having a conversation, he might let you know what is happening in his life. Perhaps organise to go out to the movies and to get some food so you are on neutral territory and he is outside of his room? If your own family doctor knows your son, perhaps talk to him if you are still concerned.

Hope he is fine. Let us know how you go on.

If it were my son, I would be concerned enough to investigate.

The almost daily use of alcohol (He is only talkative and happy when he drinks) is a big red flag to me.

And so is the obsessive guitar playing.

Does he have a job or go to school?

I know there are a lot of people who do all of that and are just fine. But there are also some who are not just fine.

For now, just let him know that either way is okay, but if it turns out that he does need/want help, you’ll help him get it. No judgment, just information.