My Father's Mental Health Struggles: A Personal Journey

My father's condition?

My father was very fond of visiting temples in his youth, often joining incense groups to worship.
He had the idea of opening a shrine, but my mother opposed it because she did not want her son to take over as the temple keeper.
This led to frequent arguments between them, as both of my parents had strong personalities and their marriage was not harmonious.
They would provoke each other with words; for instance, my mother often said my father was unsuccessful, while my father called my mother a "bad omen." Around the time I was in my first year of high school, my father began to isolate himself, spending all day in his room without going out, which lasted until I started my vocational training and employment—about 8 to 9 years.
He was unwilling to work, and my mother bore the financial burden alone.
My father was fixated on the idea of opening a shrine, and his thoughts became increasingly extreme.
At one point, the number of deities in our home suddenly increased to over ten, but a few days later, they all disappeared without explanation, leaving only the original three deities (Guan Gong, Tu Di Gong, and San Tai Zi).
About three years ago, he began exhibiting more bizarre behaviors, such as talking to himself and seeming to have conversations with the air, as if someone were speaking to him.
Sometimes, if he was in a good mood, he would laugh heartily; other times, if he was upset, he would curse.
One day, he woke up in a rage and smashed the remaining three deities with a hammer, discarding them in an unknown location.
Since then, he claimed that dirty spirits were trying to possess him, and he was conversing with these entities.
His behavior often frightened family members and neighbors, who urged him to seek medical help.
He insisted that he was not mentally ill and was very clear-minded, attributing his condition to "external forces" that made him behave abnormally.
He believed that this was beyond the understanding of doctors, which is why he refused to cooperate with medical treatment.
However, he frequently wandered outside at night, talking to himself.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be happening in this situation.
It is worth noting that my father does not gamble, does not engage with women, and has no bad habits.
Aside from talking to the air, he seems normal in other aspects of life.
He has no issues with basic daily activities, such as eating, bathing, watching television, or reading the newspaper.
He can also engage in conversations with others, but he often talks about spiritual matters, claiming he can communicate with deities, although he has developed a strong sense of paranoia.
Is this a case of schizophrenia or some other mental disorder, or could he truly be "possessed," given that the temples he frequents are mostly those dedicated to darker deities with fierce appearances?

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/29

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Dear Ms.
Lin,
Based on the content of your letter, your father's behaviors and actions have severely impacted his interpersonal, occupational, and social functioning.
Additionally, speaking to the air, engaging in conversations, and using profane language indicate a concerning level of agitation, with violent behaviors already manifesting (such as the destruction of three Buddha statues at midnight).
He may believe that these statues are a threat to him, prompting preemptive actions.
However, if one day he transfers this perceived threat to a real person (most often a family member, in your case, your mother, due to ongoing conflict), a tragedy could occur.
If he is unwilling to seek medical help, there is little that can be done.
The only option is to wait until he exhibits severe destructive behavior, poses a threat to others or himself, or disrupts community peace and family tranquility.
At that point, please contact emergency services (119) to coordinate with public health nurses for involuntary hospitalization.
Patients in such situations often threaten retaliation when apprehended, but experience shows that after a period of treatment, these bizarre and impulsive behaviors tend to decrease or disappear, leading to a safer environment.
Therefore, seeking medical attention is necessary.
Thank you for your letter!

Reply Date: 2005/08/29

More Info

Understanding your father's mental health struggles is a complex and sensitive issue that requires a nuanced approach. Based on your description, it seems that your father has been experiencing significant psychological distress, which may manifest as symptoms of a mental health disorder. His behaviors, such as talking to himself, expressing paranoia about external forces, and exhibiting erratic emotional responses, are concerning and suggest that he may be dealing with a serious mental health condition.

From a medical perspective, the symptoms you describe could be indicative of several potential mental health issues, including schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder. Schizophrenia is characterized by a range of symptoms, including delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present), disorganized thinking, and significant social or occupational dysfunction. Your father's belief that he is communicating with spirits or "dirty things" and his erratic behavior, such as breaking religious idols, could be manifestations of such a disorder.

It's also important to consider the impact of his long-standing emotional isolation and unresolved conflicts within the family. The history of conflict between your parents, combined with your father's withdrawal from social interactions and responsibilities, may have contributed to his current state. Chronic stress and unresolved emotional issues can exacerbate mental health problems, leading to a decline in one's psychological well-being.

Given that your father has shown resistance to seeking medical help, it can be challenging to address these issues directly. However, there are several steps you can take to support him and encourage him to seek the help he may need:
1. Open Communication: Try to engage your father in a calm and non-confrontational manner. Express your concerns about his well-being without labeling his experiences as "crazy" or "abnormal." Use "I" statements to communicate how his behavior affects you and the family, such as "I feel worried when I see you upset."
2. Encourage Professional Help: While he may resist the idea of seeing a doctor, you can gently suggest that talking to a mental health professional could provide him with support and understanding. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Family Support: Involve other family members in the conversation. Sometimes, hearing concerns from multiple loved ones can help him feel less isolated and more willing to consider help.

4. Educate Yourself: Understanding mental health issues can empower you to approach the situation with empathy and knowledge. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of mental health disorders and the resources available for treatment.

5. Set Boundaries: While it's essential to support your father, it's equally important to take care of your mental health. If his behavior becomes overwhelming or distressing, establish boundaries to protect your emotional well-being.

6. Seek Support for Yourself: Consider talking to a mental health professional yourself. They can provide guidance on how to cope with the stress of dealing with a family member's mental health struggles and help you navigate this challenging situation.

7. Crisis Intervention: If your father's behavior escalates to a point where he poses a danger to himself or others, it may be necessary to seek immediate help from mental health crisis services or emergency services.

In conclusion, your father's situation is complex and requires a compassionate and informed approach. While it may be challenging to convince him to seek help, your support and understanding can play a crucial role in his journey toward better mental health. Remember, mental health issues are not a reflection of one's character or worth; they are medical conditions that require appropriate treatment and care.

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