My Mother's Strange Behavior: Signs of a Mental Health Issue?

Q: My Mother's Strange Behavior: Signs of a Mental Health Issue?

Apple： Based on your description, it seems that your mother may be experiencing a mental health condition. <br>To determine the specific type of mental illness, further information and diagnostic interviews are necessary. <br>It is advisable to take her to a psychiatric outpatien

My mom has been acting very strangely?

My mom goes to other people's finished houses to sweep the floor and claims that someone asked her to do it, but no one actually did; she is just making things up.
Is this a form of delusional disorder? She also says that someone is calling me and talks about who is calling or texting, insisting that I shouldn't answer because they want to harm us.
My mom watches TV all day long, and the TV is muted.
When she sleeps, she doesn't turn off the TV and even takes the remote to listen to something, though I don't know what.
She talks to herself, saying that the neighbors across the street shouldn't talk nonsense, even though the neighbors haven't done anything to her.
When I tell her not to do laundry at night, she responds, "It's none of your business; I want to wash." When I suggest that she needs to see a doctor because she is unwell, she retorts, "You're the one who's sick; I'm not." How can I take her to the hospital if she refuses to go? I can't just drag her there, and my dad is at a loss about what to do.
She also expresses suicidal thoughts.
What kind of illness is this? What should we do if she refuses medical treatment?

Pingguo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/05/22

Dr. Zheng Jingming reply Psychiatry

Apple: Based on your description, it seems that your mother may be experiencing a mental health condition.
To determine the specific type of mental illness, further information and diagnostic interviews are necessary.
It is advisable to take her to a psychiatric outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
If she is resistant to seeking outpatient care, try to gather more family and friends to encourage her to go, or consider enlisting the help of a public health nurse from a local health center.
If her symptoms are severe and there is a risk of self-harm or harm to others, you can call 911 or ask a public health nurse for assistance in taking her to the emergency department of a psychiatric hospital.
Dr.
Cheng Ching-Ming, Psychiatrist, Chiayi Hospital.

Reply Date: 2007/05/22

More Info

Based on the detailed descriptions you've provided about your mother's behavior, it appears that she may be exhibiting signs of a significant mental health issue. The behaviors you've mentioned, such as making unfounded claims about being invited to clean someone else's house, experiencing paranoia about phone calls, and engaging in self-talk, could suggest a range of psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to delusional disorder or other psychotic disorders.
Your mother's insistence that others are conspiring against her, combined with her unusual behaviors such as watching television without sound and talking to herself, raises concerns about her mental state. These symptoms could indicate a possible underlying condition that requires professional evaluation. The fact that she is resistant to seeking help is also common in individuals experiencing mental health issues, as they may not recognize their behaviors as problematic.

It's important to approach this situation with sensitivity and care. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
1. Open Communication: Try to have a calm and non-confrontational conversation with your mother. Express your concerns from a place of love and worry rather than accusation. Use "I" statements, such as "I feel worried when I see you upset" rather than "You are acting strangely."
2. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that she see a doctor or a mental health professional. You might frame it as a routine check-up for her overall health rather than focusing solely on her mental health. This can sometimes make it easier for her to agree to an appointment.

3. Involve Other Family Members: If possible, enlist the help of other family members who share your concerns. Sometimes, hearing similar worries from multiple loved ones can encourage someone to seek help.

4. Seek Support for Yourself: This situation can be incredibly stressful for you as well. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional for yourself to discuss your feelings and get advice on how to handle the situation.

5. Emergency Situations: If your mother expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions, it is crucial to take these seriously. In such cases, you may need to contact emergency services or a crisis hotline for immediate assistance.

6. Educate Yourself: Understanding mental health issues can help you communicate more effectively with your mother and provide the support she may need. Look for resources on mental health conditions that align with the symptoms you observe.

7. Patience and Support: Change takes time, and your mother may not respond immediately to your concerns. Continue to offer your support and love, even if she resists help initially.

In conclusion, your mother's behavior is concerning and indicative of potential mental health issues that should not be ignored. Encouraging her to seek help while providing a supportive environment is crucial. Remember to take care of your own mental health during this challenging time.

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