Mental Health Symptoms Under Extreme Stress

A relative seems to be experiencing mental health issues?

Hello, I would like to ask if excessive stress can lead to symptoms similar to mental illnesses.
I have two cousins who are twins, but my aunt seems to prefer my older cousin over my younger cousin, often hitting or scolding the latter.
Two years ago, my uncle and aunt divorced, and my younger cousin mentioned that the atmosphere at home has become increasingly tense.
Additionally, it seems that my older cousin had a fight with her and moved away to study in another city.
Recently, my older cousin tragically committed suicide.
After my younger cousin returned home, my aunt insisted that my younger cousin was actually the older cousin, believing that the deceased was the younger cousin.
However, everyone can clearly distinguish between the two cousins.
I was present at the time, and my aunt kept pointing at my younger cousin, calling her by the older cousin's name.
Later, my younger cousin told me that my aunt now calls out the older cousin's name every day at home, which is quite distressing for her.
I suggested that she take her mother to see a doctor, but her mother refuses to go.
Is this a manifestation of a mental illness? If so, what condition does it resemble? If not, what methods can be used to address this situation? Thank you.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/17

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
If your aunt's issues began after the passing of her cousin, it could be a grieving process related to the loss of a loved one.
This situation typically requires time to heal.
However, if it persists for an extended period (several months or more), it is advisable to seek treatment from a mental health professional for improvement.

Reply Date: 2022/05/17

More Info

The situation you described highlights the profound impact that extreme stress and trauma can have on mental health, both for individuals directly affected and those around them. When someone experiences significant stress, especially in the context of family dynamics, loss, and unresolved grief, it can lead to a range of psychological symptoms that may resemble mental health disorders.

In your case, the tragic loss of your older cousin and the subsequent behavior of your aunt (the mother) suggest that she may be experiencing complicated grief or even a form of bereavement-related disorder. Complicated grief is characterized by an intense longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, and persistent feelings of sadness and emotional pain. This condition can manifest in various ways, including confusion about the identity of family members, as seen in your aunt's insistence on calling your younger cousin by the name of her deceased sister. Such confusion can be a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming grief.

Additionally, your aunt's behavior may also indicate signs of a more severe mental health condition, such as a major depressive episode or even psychosis, particularly if she is experiencing hallucinations or delusions related to her deceased daughter. Psychosis can involve a disconnection from reality, where individuals may hear voices or have false beliefs that are not based in reality. This could explain her insistence that her living daughter is actually her deceased daughter.

It's important to recognize that the symptoms of mental health disorders can be exacerbated by stressors such as family conflict, divorce, and the loss of a loved one. The environment your younger cousin is experiencing, marked by her mother's distress and the pressure of being compared to her deceased sister, can lead to significant emotional turmoil. This can manifest in anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if the stressors are severe enough.

In terms of addressing these issues, it is crucial to encourage your younger cousin to seek professional help. Therapy can provide a safe space for her to process her feelings and experiences, and a mental health professional can offer strategies to cope with the stress and grief she is facing. Family therapy may also be beneficial, as it can help facilitate communication and understanding among family members, allowing them to navigate their grief together.

For your aunt, it is essential to approach the situation with compassion. While it can be challenging to convince someone to seek help, gently expressing concern for her well-being and the impact her behavior has on the family may encourage her to consider professional support. Mental health professionals can offer interventions that address grief and help her find healthier coping mechanisms.

In summary, the symptoms exhibited by your aunt and the stress experienced by your younger cousin are indicative of the profound effects that trauma and loss can have on mental health. Encouraging both individuals to seek professional help is a crucial step in addressing their mental health needs and fostering healing within the family. Mental health is a complex and sensitive issue, and navigating it requires understanding, patience, and support from loved ones.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Mental Health: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

You may experience the following symptoms: prolonged hypersomnia, short episodes of insomnia, chest discomfort (a feeling of wanting to cry or a sense of oppression that makes breathing difficult), self-harm, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, bodily pain, lack of energy, inabilit...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
It is highly possible that there may be some issues related to mental and physical health. It is recommended to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Wu Enliang.

Coping with Severe Anxiety and Stress: Understanding Your Mental Health

Hello, doctor. Recently, my anxiety has become quite severe. For example, just thinking about going to work makes me feel a lot of pressure, and a few days ago, I started sweating profusely and felt restless while working. I feel overwhelmed by the stress. Am I suffering from anx...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Stress indeed causes distress and affects your performance, and it is important to address it actively. However, there is no need to worry about developing severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia as a result. Since you are already using medication like Lurasidone, yo...

Understanding Stress, Anxiety, and Tension: When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I would like to consult whether my following conditions are influenced by a mental health issue and whether I should seek medical help for improvement. I apologize for the lengthy content... I easily feel nervous and stressed, experiencing symptoms such as hand tre...

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry
Dear Selina, From your description in your letter, I can clearly sense your discomfort and anxiety. It is difficult to determine the exact nature of your discomfort and diagnosis at this moment, but it is likely related to anxiety combined with depression or anxiety disorders. I...

Coping with Mental Stress: Understanding Anger and Anxiety Issues

Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling a lot of stress at work. I find myself easily angered and wanting to yell at people or even hit someone. I feel down for no apparent reason. I can't seem to get enough sleep every day and constantly feel overwhelmed by a multit...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
In modern society, stress is inevitable. What we seek is not a life without stress, but a resilient state of mind and body that balances stress. The symptoms described in the inquiry are quite common among individuals with anxiety disorders or stress-related adjustment disorders....