Managing Family Mental Health: Coping with Delusions and Panic Disorders

Q: Managing Family Mental Health: Coping with Delusions and Panic Disorders

Hello TT： After a stroke, mental symptoms such as delusions and depression are very common and can lead to tension and issues among family members. <br>It is advisable to seek treatment at a psychiatric department in the hospital, and you should also return to the neurology depar

My father has delusional disorder, and my mother has panic disorder?

Hello, Doctor, I have some questions to ask you.
My father has been experiencing delusional thoughts for the past few years, and it has become particularly severe in the last two years.
We suspect he may have jealousy delusions and paranoid delusions.
He has not sought medical attention yet (but he has an appointment with a neurologist on July 13, as he previously had a stroke).
My mother has recently developed panic disorder due to his behavior (she is receiving treatment) and is currently staying at my grandmother's house.
At home, it’s just me, my grandparents, and my father.
Recently, my father has been searching for my mother’s name on Facebook, and when he found someone with the same name, he assumed it was her, claiming she was having an affair on Facebook (even though my mother does not have a Facebook account).
He has been repeatedly calling this Facebook friend who shares my mother’s name and has been harassing my mother with phone calls.

1.
I would like to know if getting a divorce would improve the situation.
However, my mother has insurance that she cannot access if they divorce now, and if she returns home in the future, she may continue to suffer from panic attacks due to my father's behavior.

2.
My father is currently in contact with my mother’s sister (my aunt), who also suffers from delusions.
He frequently tells her about what my mother has supposedly done, and because my aunt has delusions, she also engages in these conversations with my father, complicating the situation further.

3.
Should I block the Facebook account with my mother’s name and my aunt’s phone number using my father’s Facebook account? I hesitate to do this because I fear he might take it as a sign that someone is conspiring against him.
My father currently has no trust in me or my brother (due to a previous conflict during one of his episodes).
We are just waiting for the appointment on July 13 (I will accompany my father and secretly provide the doctor with a note detailing his symptoms), hoping the doctor can assist us.

TT, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/05

Dr. Yan Congyou reply Psychiatry

Hello TT: After a stroke, mental symptoms such as delusions and depression are very common and can lead to tension and issues among family members.
It is advisable to seek treatment at a psychiatric department in the hospital, and you should also return to the neurology department to rule out the possibility of a secondary stroke.
Additionally, regarding issues such as whether to divorce or cut off contact, it would be best for you to come to the hospital together for a discussion, as online discussions may not provide a complete understanding.

Reply Date: 2020/07/05

More Info

Managing family mental health, especially when dealing with conditions like delusions and panic disorders, can be incredibly challenging. Based on your description, it sounds like your father is experiencing significant mental health issues, which could be affecting not only him but also your mother and the rest of the family. Here are some insights and recommendations based on your situation.

Understanding Delusions and Panic Disorders
Delusions, such as jealousy and paranoia, can be symptoms of various mental health disorders, including delusional disorder or schizophrenia. These conditions can lead to distorted perceptions of reality, causing individuals to believe things that are not true. For instance, your father's belief that your mother is engaging in inappropriate behavior, despite her not having a Facebook account, is a classic example of a delusion. This can create a toxic environment, leading to increased stress and anxiety for family members, particularly your mother, who is experiencing panic attacks as a result.

Panic disorder, characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, can be triggered by stressors in one's environment. In your mother's case, the ongoing situation with your father may be exacerbating her anxiety, leading her to seek refuge at her mother's house. This is a common coping mechanism for individuals dealing with overwhelming stress.

Impact of Family Dynamics
The dynamics within your family are crucial to consider. Your father's delusions not only affect him but also create a ripple effect that impacts your mother and potentially other family members. The fact that your father is communicating with his sister, who also has delusions, can further complicate the situation. This can lead to a feedback loop where both individuals reinforce each other's distorted beliefs, making it harder for them to see reality clearly.

Considering Divorce
Regarding your question about whether divorce would improve the situation, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. While separation might provide your mother with some relief from your father's delusions and the associated panic, it could also lead to further complications, especially concerning financial matters like insurance. If your mother is dependent on her insurance policy, this could be a significant factor in her decision-making process.

Moreover, divorce might not necessarily resolve your father's mental health issues. He may still experience delusions and paranoia, which could lead to further distress for both him and your mother. It might be beneficial to explore other options, such as family therapy or counseling, which could help address the underlying issues without resorting to divorce.

Managing Communication and Boundaries
You mentioned the idea of blocking your father's Facebook account and his sister's phone number. While this might seem like a practical solution to prevent further harassment, it could also provoke your father's paranoia. Instead, consider setting clear boundaries with him. When you accompany him to his appointment on July 13, it may be helpful to discuss these concerns with the doctor. They can provide guidance on how to manage communication and set boundaries effectively.

Seeking Professional Help
It’s commendable that you are taking the initiative to accompany your father to his medical appointment and prepare information about his symptoms for the doctor. This proactive approach can help ensure that he receives the appropriate care. Encourage your father to be open with the healthcare provider about his experiences, as this will aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, consider seeking support for yourself and your mother. Family therapy can provide a safe space to express feelings and develop coping strategies. Support groups for families dealing with mental illness can also be beneficial, offering a sense of community and shared understanding.

Conclusion
In summary, managing family mental health issues, particularly those involving delusions and panic disorders, requires a multifaceted approach. While divorce might seem like a potential solution, it’s essential to consider the broader implications and explore other avenues for support and treatment. Open communication with healthcare professionals, setting boundaries, and seeking therapy can all contribute to a healthier family dynamic. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a vital step towards healing for everyone involved.

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