Posted by Racer on December 30, 2005, at 0:16:57
In reply to can depression make you mean/hateful?, posted by spriggy on December 29, 2005, at 21:57:11
It certainly turns me into Mary Sunshine... My poor husband will tell you that yes, depression can turn people mean, bitter, and hateful. And I'm one of those who tries to hold back anything that isn't nice to others -- because I'm afraid of being punished for being angry or hurt -- so if I turn mean enough to snap at people, it can certainly do that and more to people who are willing to express themselves...
With all that's going on for your mother, no wonder she's in pain. Which doesn't give her the right to share quite so much with others, but may reduce her ability to avoid doing so.
If you are really worried, and it sounds as though you should be, I strongly suggest that you call the local Adult Protective Services agency where they live and say that you would like a health and welfare check -- and TELL THEM that your mother has attempted suicide twice recently, that she's been delusional (don't give too many details, just 'she's delusional, but denies it'), and that you strongly believe she needs to be in the hospital until she can be stabilized on drugs. If you tell them, "Oh, she says that I said things I never said," or anything like that, though, that's something that can happen in all sorts of situations and in perfectly normal families. Like you or I have ever met one of those, but hey... Try to keep it to severe symptoms, maybe include phrases like Psychotic Depression, etc. If she was on drugs before, tell them that she already has a psychiatric diagnosis. That does count.
And you know what? You can do it anonymously. They never have to know it was you.
Other than that, though, I hate to tell you that there ain't any more you can do to fix them. They are who they are and ever will be, and it's not your responsibility. And trying to take on that responsibility will make you CRAZY! Then you'll be mean, too. ;-P
Good luck, and I"m sorry you're going through this.
poster:Racer
thread:593274
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051221/msgs/593335.html