Is My Dad Depressed? His Sudden Behavioral Changes

Q: Is My Dad Depressed? His Sudden Behavioral Changes

Hello： First of all, thank you for your letter. <br>Based on what you described, there are indeed symptoms suggestive of depression. <br>Depression can be categorized into two main types： endogenous (without obvious psychosocial stress) and exogenous (with significant psychosocia

Doctor, is my dad suffering from depression? I'm very worried?

My dad has been feeling unwell lately.
He complains of chest pain, headaches, and a loss of appetite, expressing that he feels physically unwell every day.
He has been lacking energy and has been quiet for the past few days.
Previously, he underwent a health check-up, which showed that everything was fine except for a diagnosed peptic ulcer, as he has had stomach issues in the past.
He has been taking medication and resting for a while.
Recently, he has been very negative, thinking something is seriously wrong with his health.
He hardly talks to us and claims that my mom doesn't care about him or accompany him to check-ups.
My mom is quite busy, and we are not neglecting him; we just don't know how to address his concerns.
We advised him to take a break from work, but he refuses.
Our family atmosphere has always been joyful and harmonious, and we want him to get a full health check-up, but he won't go.
A couple of days ago, he even said some extreme things, mentioning death.
He seems off, but I'm hesitant to suggest that he might be experiencing depression or mental health issues, fearing it could have a negative effect.
He has never acted this way before; he is usually a funny and cheerful dad.
This drastic change in his demeanor, along with his negative and hopeless speech, including talk of divorce, is really frightening for me as the eldest son.

Xiao Long, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/30

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry

Hello: First of all, thank you for your letter.
Based on what you described, there are indeed symptoms suggestive of depression.
Depression can be categorized into two main types: endogenous (without obvious psychosocial stress) and exogenous (with significant psychosocial stress such as unemployment or heartbreak).
The treatment approaches may vary slightly.
It is advisable to first try to understand whether your father is facing significant stress that may be causing these depressive symptoms and to address that.
If necessary, seek help from a professional.
Wishing your father a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2006/08/30

More Info

It sounds like your father is going through a very challenging time, and your concerns are completely valid. Based on the symptoms you've described—such as chest pain, headaches, loss of appetite, increased negativity, withdrawal from family interactions, and even thoughts of death—there is a possibility that he may be experiencing depression or another mental health issue.
Depression in older adults can often manifest in physical symptoms, which can sometimes make it difficult to distinguish between a physical illness and a mental health condition. The fact that he has a history of gastrointestinal issues, such as a stomach ulcer, could contribute to his overall discomfort and may exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. It’s important to recognize that mental health and physical health are closely intertwined; one can significantly impact the other.

Your father's sudden behavioral changes, especially his withdrawal from family interactions and his negative outlook, are concerning. It’s not uncommon for individuals experiencing depression to feel isolated and misunderstood, which may explain why he perceives a lack of concern from family members. This perception can create a cycle of withdrawal and negativity, further deepening his feelings of despair.

Here are some steps you can take to support your father during this difficult time:
1. Open Communication: While it may be challenging, try to gently encourage your father to talk about how he feels. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, letting him know that you are there to listen without judgment. Avoid labeling his feelings as "depression" initially, as this might make him defensive. Instead, express your concern for his well-being.

2. Encourage Professional Help: It’s crucial for your father to see a healthcare professional who can evaluate his symptoms comprehensively. A doctor can help determine whether his physical symptoms are related to a mental health condition and can provide appropriate treatment options. This might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

3. Family Support: As a family, it’s important to create a supportive environment. Encourage family activities that he enjoys, even if he initially resists. Sometimes, simply being present and engaging in shared activities can help him feel less isolated.

4. Monitor for Warning Signs: Given that he has expressed thoughts of death, it’s essential to take these statements seriously. If he shows any signs of self-harm or expresses suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help from a mental health professional or contact emergency services.

5. Educate Yourself and Your Family: Understanding depression and its symptoms can help you and your family respond more effectively. There are many resources available, including books, websites, and support groups, that can provide valuable information.

6. Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage your father to engage in physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a regular sleep schedule. These lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on mood and overall health.

7. Be Patient: Recovery from depression can take time. It’s important to be patient and supportive, even if progress seems slow. Celebrate small victories and encourage him to take one step at a time.

In conclusion, your father's recent changes in behavior and mood are concerning and warrant attention. While it may be difficult to approach the topic of mental health, your support and encouragement can make a significant difference in his journey toward recovery. Seeking professional help is crucial, as it can provide him with the tools and support he needs to navigate this challenging time. Remember, you are not alone in this; many families face similar challenges, and there are resources available to help both your father and your family as a whole.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Father's Unusual Behavior: Signs of Depression?

My father is over 65 years old. He used to run a pharmacy at home and has been retired for 4 to 5 years. I want to ask about his condition: he becomes easily agitated, especially after taking a shower, when he starts to rant incessantly and even curses at people. He refuses to co...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Is your father's condition related to a mental illness or other issues that require further evaluation? This includes how long the symptoms have been present and whether they are indicative of age-related degeneration. Has there been long-term alcohol use (which can l...

Understanding Behavioral Changes in Aging Parents: Signs of Mental Health Issues

Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my father's situation. He is nearly 60 years old, but recently his behavior has become increasingly erratic. He often hides things from us, such as secretly keeping adult films, and his shopping habits have intensified, accumulati...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
Hello Huey, your father's issues have existed for a while, but the family was unaware of them. It's also possible that his behavior has changed, but it may not necessarily indicate a medical condition; there could be other factors diverting his attention. Therefore, I s...

Is My Dad's Behavior a Sign of Mental Decline After Retirement?

My father is currently 63 years old. In recent years, I've noticed that he has become increasingly difficult to get along with; he has become more stubborn, irritable, and prone to taking out his frustrations on others. Since retiring, he has had a lot of free time and often...

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry
Hello: It seems that your father is starting to exhibit personality changes, decreased language expression, impaired comprehension, gambling behavior, stubbornness, worsening short-term memory, and diminished visuospatial skills. This progression is gradual and slow. Clinically, ...

Understanding Unusual Behavior: Is My Brother Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis?

Hello Dr. Dai, my brother (39 years old) has recently been exhibiting strange behavior. I'm not sure if it's due to work-related stress, but he has been talking in his sleep for extended periods (initially, I thought he was on the phone in his room for a long time). Thi...

Dr. Dai Wanxiang reply Psychiatry
Hello: Based on your description, some of your brother's behaviors, emotional changes, and sleep disturbances are indeed unusual. However, without more detailed information, it is difficult to directly determine the underlying condition. Issues could stem from physical, psyc...