How to Help a Relative with Disturbing Delusions and Threats?

Q: How to Help a Relative with Disturbing Delusions and Threats?

Hello Amin： Based on your description, your uncle is a "mental health patient," and the reasons for this will depend on future evaluations by a physician. <br>First of all, do you believe he is not speaking "nonsensically"? This implies that your family indeed owes him money? Are

What should I do?

Hello, I have a question I would like to consult.
I have an uncle who has been exhibiting some unusual behavior since last year.
He keeps saying that our family owes him money, or that we need to pay him respect, even though that is not true; he just makes things up.
He claims to be a divine being with a remarkable background and says he can see spirits.
Sometimes he threatens us with a knife, saying he wants to kill us.
He constantly insults people, which has put us under a lot of mental stress, and we feel helpless.
I would like to ask how we should address this situation, as he does not seem to be mentally ill in the traditional sense, nor does he speak nonsensically, but he keeps fabricating stories.
If he continues like this, what should we do? P.S.
He is absolutely unwilling to seek medical help on his own.
Thank you, I really need assistance.

A-Ming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/04/08

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Hello Amin: Based on your description, your uncle is a "mental health patient," and the reasons for this will depend on future evaluations by a physician.
First of all, do you believe he is not speaking "nonsensically"? This implies that your family indeed owes him money? Are the things he "fabricates" actually true? Is he really a divine being? The term "insight" refers to the awareness that a person has a mental illness, which prompts them to seek medical help and take medication.
Conversely, if someone believes they are not ill, they will naturally refuse treatment.
Mental health patients are often viewed as "ticking time bombs" in society, and family members or close individuals also bear some responsibility.
Those who frequently appear in social news as mental health patients typically lack consistent treatment.
A characteristic of mental health patients is that the more regularly they receive treatment, the more they recognize their illness and the need for care; conversely, the less consistently they take their medication, the more they believe they are not ill, which increases danger.
In your uncle's case, prompt treatment is essential; we cannot wait until something happens to regret it! The government allocates a significant budget each year to assist mental health patients.
The issue you mentioned about "his refusal to go to the hospital" is a common one.
1.
Family members can seek help from the local health center to assist in evaluating the situation.
If they also suspect there is a problem, they can facilitate communication with the fire department and hospital to ensure the patient receives care.
2.
If immediate action is necessary due to aggressive, destructive, or disruptive behavior in the community, you can directly contact 911 for assistance in getting the patient to a hospital.
Mental health patients are considered individuals with disabilities, and caregivers face significant challenges, which is why the government has implemented various welfare measures.
Thank you for your letter!

Reply Date: 2004/04/08

More Info

Dealing with a relative who exhibits disturbing delusions and threats can be incredibly challenging and distressing. Your uncle's behavior, including fabricating stories about debts and claiming to be a divine figure, suggests he may be experiencing a serious mental health issue, possibly a delusional disorder or another psychiatric condition. His threats of violence, particularly when he brandishes a weapon, are particularly concerning and should not be taken lightly.

Here are some steps you can take to help manage the situation:
1. Stay Calm and Non-Confrontational: When interacting with your uncle, try to remain calm and avoid confrontation. Engaging in arguments about his beliefs may escalate the situation. Instead, listen to him without validating his delusions. Acknowledge his feelings without agreeing with his distorted perceptions.

2. Establish Boundaries: It’s essential to set clear boundaries for your safety and the safety of others. If he becomes aggressive or threatening, it’s important to remove yourself from the situation and seek help. Make sure that you and other family members know how to respond if he becomes violent.

3. Seek Professional Help: While you mentioned that he is unwilling to seek medical help, it is crucial to encourage him to see a mental health professional. You might consider approaching the topic gently, emphasizing concern for his well-being rather than labeling his behavior as "crazy." You could suggest that talking to someone might help him feel better.

4. Involve Other Family Members: If possible, involve other family members in the conversation about seeking help. Sometimes, hearing concerns from multiple loved ones can encourage someone to consider treatment.

5. Emergency Services: If your uncle poses an immediate threat to himself or others, do not hesitate to contact emergency services. In many places, mental health crises can be addressed by professionals trained to handle such situations. They can provide immediate assistance and may be able to take him to a facility for evaluation.

6. Educate Yourself About Mental Health: Understanding the nature of delusions and the potential underlying mental health conditions can help you approach the situation with empathy and knowledge. Resources from mental health organizations can provide valuable insights into how to communicate effectively with someone experiencing these issues.

7. Support for Yourself and Family: Caring for someone with mental health issues can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Consider seeking support for yourself and other family members, whether through counseling or support groups. It’s important to have a space to express your feelings and learn coping strategies.

8. Document Incidents: Keep a record of any concerning behaviors or incidents. This documentation can be helpful if you need to involve professionals or authorities later on.

9. Crisis Plan: Develop a crisis plan that outlines what to do in case of an emergency. This plan should include contact information for mental health professionals, emergency services, and trusted family members.

10. Patience and Compassion: Remember that your uncle may not be fully aware of his condition or the impact of his behavior on others. Approach him with compassion, and try to understand that his actions may stem from a place of fear or confusion.

In conclusion, while it is essential to prioritize safety, it is equally important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Encouraging professional help and maintaining open lines of communication can be vital steps in addressing your uncle's disturbing behavior. If the situation escalates or becomes unmanageable, do not hesitate to seek immediate assistance from mental health professionals or law enforcement.

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