Managing Unstable Emotions in a Family Member: Seeking Help for Mental Health

Q: Managing Unstable Emotions in a Family Member: Seeking Help for Mental Health

Dear Annie： I'm glad to see that you have taken the first step, and I believe this will be the beginning of your journey towards success. <br>Regarding the issue of reaching a consensus among family members, we understand the concerns and defensiveness of your father's relatives.

Please ask another question?

Dear Dr.
Chen,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions.
My father is 55 years old.
We have been taking him to see doctors, but when we arrive at the hospital, he behaves normally, making it difficult for the doctors to make a decision.
However, once we return home, his behavior changes dramatically, and he becomes increasingly aggressive towards my mother.
My father's emotions remain very unstable, and he is prone to violence, monitoring my mother almost 24/7.
My sisters and I want to consider involuntary treatment for him.
However, my uncle and other relatives do not support this idea; they often drink with my father to ease the tension.
I would like to know if this continuous drinking could have adverse effects.
The doctor prescribed a medication labeled Ris (directly printed on the medication) for my father.
How long does he need to take this medication before it becomes effective, and can it help him return to his previous self?
Helplessly,
Annie

Annie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/11/19

Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry

Dear Annie: I'm glad to see that you have taken the first step, and I believe this will be the beginning of your journey towards success.
Regarding the issue of reaching a consensus among family members, we understand the concerns and defensiveness of your father's relatives.
It is not easy to honestly confront the fact that a loved one is a mental health patient and to push him towards a "cuckoo's nest." However, the solution can generally be approached from two angles:
First, through a gentle appeal, which means helping them deeply understand the dangers your father poses, the pain your mother is experiencing, and the family's suffering (try to bring them closer to the eye of the storm so they can empathize more).
Request their involvement in the team to save the family, making them aware that casual drinking and chatting are insufficient.
To prevent your father from being hospitalized, they must help devise and implement stronger strategies and actions, which means they need to take on greater responsibility.
Second, appeal to the legal and moral justice, helping them understand the relevant laws and the potential legal constraints your father may face, so they realize that you do not wish to reach a point of family breakdown.
If understanding and agreement cannot be achieved through these means, it may be necessary to seek external help (such as social workers) or even make decisions independently for your own well-being.
As for the treatment issue, your father's medication should be Risperdal.
If the dosage is adequate, it should show effects within about six weeks at the latest.
However, if he believes he is not ill, he may not adhere to the medication regimen, which is a critical point to note.
The aforementioned drops may be useful in this situation.
Since you have already been in contact with mental health professionals, feel free to discuss any questions with the attending physician and their treatment team to quickly formulate appropriate and effective strategies.
Wishing you and your family all the best.

Reply Date: 2003/11/19

More Info

Dear Annie,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about your father's mental health. It sounds like you're in a very challenging situation, and it's commendable that you're seeking help for him. Based on your description, it seems your father is exhibiting signs of emotional instability, which can be distressing not only for him but also for the entire family.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that mental health conditions, such as mood disorders or even more severe conditions like personality disorders, can manifest in various ways, including aggression, emotional volatility, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Your father's behavior, particularly the monitoring and bullying of your mother, is concerning and may indicate that he is struggling with underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Regarding the medication he has been prescribed, Risperidone (often referred to as "Ris") is an antipsychotic medication that can be effective for managing symptoms of various mental health disorders, including mood swings and irritability. However, the timeline for seeing improvement can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, it may take several weeks to notice the full effects of the medication. It's crucial for your father to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to have regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider to monitor his progress and make any necessary adjustments.

As for the family dynamics, it’s concerning that your father’s behavior is being normalized or excused by relatives who may not fully understand the implications of his actions. Alcohol can indeed have a detrimental effect on mental health, especially when combined with certain medications. It can exacerbate mood swings, increase aggression, and interfere with the effectiveness of psychiatric medications. Encouraging a culture of drinking as a way to cope with stress or emotional issues is not a healthy approach and can lead to a cycle of dependency and worsening mental health.

In terms of managing your father's behavior at home, it’s essential to establish boundaries. If he becomes aggressive or threatening, it’s important to prioritize safety. If you or your mother feel unsafe, it may be necessary to seek immediate help from local authorities or mental health crisis services.
Additionally, family therapy could be beneficial. It can provide a safe space for everyone to express their feelings and work on communication strategies. This could help in addressing the underlying issues within the family dynamic and provide support for your mother, who seems to be bearing the brunt of your father's emotional instability.

Lastly, I encourage you and your siblings to seek support for yourselves as well. Caring for a family member with mental health issues can be incredibly taxing, and it's important to take care of your own emotional well-being. Consider reaching out to support groups or mental health professionals who can provide guidance and coping strategies.

In summary, while medication may take time to show effects, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your father’s healthcare provider, address the role of alcohol in your family dynamics, and prioritize safety and support for all family members. Your proactive approach is a positive step towards managing this difficult situation.

Wishing you and your family strength and healing,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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