Mental Illness in family

PoopyTheJ · Nov 25, 2004, 09:48 PM

Does anyone have any experience dealing with mental illness in the family? We have a history of it on my mom's side and unfortunately I'm beginning to think my mother is beginning to exhibit some symptoms associated with it. This is not simple mental instability though as it's caused by her thyroid and she doesn't take her meds regularly, thus throwing her hormones and bodily systems all out of whack, causing crazy outbursts. She lives with my father but we're afraid she may not be capable of taking care of herself the way she's going, she won't take her pills if my father gives them to her and forgets or refuses to take them on her own. I don't know what we have to work with here so if anyone has dealt with this your experience could be quite beneficial. Thanks for your input guys...

pr0digal jenius · Nov 25, 2004, 09:52 PM

my grandma has what6 we believe to be alzheimers, but she refuses to(and grandpa wont make her) go to a doctor

and yes, it is really hard, and i still have trouble dealing with it as its hard to watch her not remember a damn thign and say/ask the same thign over and over...and i never know if i wanna feel sad or angry about it.....

ReV smokey255 · Nov 25, 2004, 09:58 PM

yes my grandmother is living with us currently because she is having problems. She had had heart problems she was lucky to survior. But that has caused the dump in her memory. So my advise if your willing to do this is take her to live with you. Yes you have to be strong about saying your coming but i think she can adjust to it. Take her out to see old friends and family every so often. This is a sad phase belive me but i think the best medicine is prearing for her depature. Also make her take the pills i know its hard but force the issue. I wish you like man

PoopyTheJ · Nov 25, 2004, 10:03 PM

My wife and I live near them, we're down in N Carolina now, my brother goes to school in PA, my sister lives here in N carolina and we live in NE Ohio. So it is up to myself and my wife I guess. I am seeing some possibilities here though, keep the ideas coming guys and thanks a lot it's much easier when you have someone to talk to...

Sargentwhitey · Nov 25, 2004, 10:29 PM

The only mental Illness in my family is my Grandpop.. he's got Dimensia.. in the early stages.. but he still lives alone.. and does OK.. we're just waiting till he gets worse

ReV smokey255 · Nov 27, 2004, 05:50 PM

but yea my grandmother was so out of it. That also due to the #### head of a husband who wont letter her go to the doctor. You know she is scaired of the dark and has many phobies. Its really hard to see a love one shrilve up. but i think you need to take her to leave with or another family member that is responsible. i wish you luck on this hard topic man. Its not easy what so ever. But i say another thing that helped we took her on a road trip to see her friends that really helped her attiude even though she forgot. Its good to see that smile on her face. It is a very hard stage for everyone. I would also suggest doing family renioun.