Dealing with a Parent's Paranoia: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues

Q: Dealing with a Parent's Paranoia: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues

Hello, netizen： She is experiencing mental health issues, which is causing those situations. <br>Arguing with her will only lead to further emotional instability for both parties and will not persuade her. <br>It is recommended that she continues with medication treatment. <br>If

Mother's paranoia troubles?

Hello, doctor.
Since I was a child, I have often heard my mother, who is deaf and mute, express concerns about family members stealing blankets, taking items from her room, and swapping things around.
At that time, I was young and living with other family members in the same house, so I didn't say much because I had no evidence.
Earlier this year, my mother and I moved into a new house where it is just the two of us living.
After hearing that other family members had access to a spare key, I communicated with my family and took back the spare key to prevent my mother from having any further suspicions.
However, recently, my mother has started to complain again about things being stolen and swapped, claiming that because I didn't close the windows properly, someone must have climbed in.
She insists that items have been changed, and even though the chargers are identical, she believes someone has swapped them and insisted I get out of bed to check.
I was very frustrated trying to explain that it was impossible, suggesting that she might have misremembered due to pride.
This time, it was different.
The day before yesterday, my mother told me that something was missing from her room, and it must have been taken by family members.
She also mentioned that a mat that was originally clean had suddenly become dirty, which she attributed to family members swapping it.
I tried to explain yesterday, but she refused to listen and continued to hold onto her beliefs.
Today, I lost my temper and confronted her, asking how anyone could have entered, how they could have opened the door locks, and why the surveillance cameras didn't capture anything.
I questioned whether family members knew the new camera password and if they were somehow expert hackers.
I pointed out that other floors were sealed off, questioning whether family members would go through the trouble of using a ladder and drill just to steal something.
My mother, however, firmly believed that I had simply forgotten to lock the door and that they had come in.
When I didn't respond, she became self-destructive, claiming that no one believed her and that she was always being treated harshly, then later said she was just asking questions.

Clearly, she was not just asking; she was accusing family members of stealing.
I feel like I'm going crazy trying to deal with my mother's behavior.
Is there any way to help stabilize her and reduce her paranoia? I have tried to take her to a mental health specialist for treatment, but she avoids it in various ways and refuses to see a doctor.
I really hope to find a way to resolve this issue; otherwise, I can't continue living like this...
Thank you.

Yin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/19

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, netizen: She is experiencing mental health issues, which is causing those situations.
Arguing with her will only lead to further emotional instability for both parties and will not persuade her.
It is recommended that she continues with medication treatment.
If it is difficult to take her to a medical facility, I suggest contacting the local health department's mental health center for assistance in arranging a home visit by a physician.
Dr.
Wu Enliang

Reply Date: 2021/08/19

More Info

Dealing with a parent's paranoia can be an incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing experience. It appears that your mother is exhibiting signs of paranoia, which can manifest as irrational beliefs that others are out to harm or deceive her. This can be particularly difficult when combined with her being deaf and mute, as communication barriers may exacerbate her feelings of isolation and mistrust. Here are some strategies and insights that may help you navigate this situation.

Understanding the Behavior
Paranoia often stems from underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, or even more severe conditions like schizophrenia. It can lead to a distorted perception of reality, where the individual may misinterpret benign actions as malicious. In your mother's case, her belief that family members are stealing or tampering with her belongings could be a manifestation of her anxiety or a deeper psychological issue.

Communication Strategies
1. Stay Calm and Patient: When your mother expresses her fears, it’s crucial to remain calm. Reacting with anger or frustration can escalate the situation. Instead, try to listen to her concerns without judgment. Acknowledge her feelings, even if you don’t agree with her perceptions.

2. Use Clear and Simple Language: Since your mother is deaf and mute, ensure that your communication is clear. Use visual aids, gestures, or written notes to express your thoughts. This can help reduce misunderstandings and make her feel more secure.

3. Reassurance: Provide her with reassurance that she is safe and that her belongings are secure. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there to support her can alleviate some of her fears.

Encouraging Professional Help
1. Gentle Persuasion: Since you mentioned that she avoids going to the doctor, try to frame the visit in a way that feels less threatening. Instead of focusing on her paranoia, you could suggest a general health check-up or a discussion about her overall well-being.
2. Involve Trusted Family Members: If there are family members she trusts, involve them in the conversation. Sometimes, hearing the same suggestion from multiple people can help her feel more comfortable with the idea of seeking help.

3. Explore Alternative Therapies: If traditional therapy is off the table, consider exploring alternative therapies that might be more appealing to her. This could include art therapy, music therapy, or even support groups for individuals with similar experiences.

Creating a Supportive Environment
1. Establish Routines: Creating a structured daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which may help reduce her anxiety.
2. Limit Triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to situations or stimuli that may trigger her paranoia. This might include limiting discussions about family members or avoiding certain topics that lead to distress.

3. Encourage Social Interaction: Isolation can exacerbate paranoia. Encourage her to engage in social activities, even if it’s just spending time with you or other family members.

Seeking Long-term Solutions
1. Consider Professional Intervention: If her paranoia continues to escalate and significantly impacts her daily life, it may be necessary to consider more formal interventions. This could involve seeking advice from mental health professionals about potential involuntary treatment options if she poses a risk to herself or others.

2. Explore Support Services: Look into local mental health services or community resources that specialize in supporting individuals with mental health issues. They may offer programs that can assist both you and your mother.

3. Self-Care for You: Caring for someone with paranoia can be draining. Ensure you are taking care of your own mental health. Consider seeking support for yourself, whether through therapy, support groups, or simply talking to friends about your experiences.

Conclusion
Navigating a parent's paranoia is undoubtedly challenging, but with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, it is possible to create a more stable environment for both you and your mother. Remember that seeking professional help is crucial, and while it may take time, your efforts to support her can lead to positive changes in her mental health.

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