The One with the Therapist



To be completely trite, lately life has been like a roller coaster, just when you think you’re on the upswing, things come crashing back down.  A week after I posted about my dad’s one year stroke anniversary, he had a seizure that landed him back into the hospital.  Since that time - potentially unrelated - he and my mom have been having a really difficult time navigating his mental health (as well as hers).  His is based on frustration at being trapped in his body (his words) and not being able to advocate for himself.  Hers is around anger at his emotional outbursts, which have been directed at her.  My dad has never been an emotional person and this is a new road that they’re both navigating.  My sister found them a therapist that they have since talked to.  I’m not sure that the therapy experience was what either of them expected, however it’s a step in the right direction and a way for them both to get to share how they’re feeling about what they’re going through.

My mom has also been embarrassed about my dad’s emotional outbursts, as they’ve happened in public and when friends / family are around.  I haven’t been present for any of these occasions and was in the UK last week but received panicked calls about my dad’s behavior.  Staying neutral as a bystander is near impossible.  Both my sister and I have opinions about what we think they both need to do to improve the situation.  We don’t have the “right” solution but we both agree that professional interference is needed.

I’m not usually the type of person who shares the intimate details of my family / parents, but I do think these experiences and what we’re going through is important to put out there.  The more I talk about what we’ve gone through with my dad’s stroke, the more people I find who have gone through similar situations.  If anything, this serves to highlight how important both physical and mental health are in your overall well being.  Be kind and patient - with yourselves and others.  


Comments

  1. Health issues can really do a number on the whole family's mental health. My mom was caretaker/poa through a decade and a half and four deaths in her family and I can see the toll it has taken on her. I'm glad they're looking at other options like therapy to help both your parents. Hang in there!

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    1. It's important that caretakers take care of themselves (which they typically don't do) - thanks for sharing your mom's experience

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  2. A therapist is a great step for your parents. I'm sorry about your dad, I hope he rebounds from his seizure and that your parents found balance, resolution, and healing.

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    1. They've continued therapy, which is really great. I haven't really probed that much but I think it's something they both agree is necessary

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  3. That's good that they're seeing a therapist, Ruth. (((HUGS))) When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, he did go through something similar. It was heart-breaking to see how the disease just kinda took a toll on him not only physically and mentally, and both my parents also went through a period where they were both having a hard time dealing with it all. I am keeping you parents in my prayers. XOXO

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    1. Thank you Emmy - as with all things, I'm expecting ups and downs but hopefully more ups than downs!

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    2. Just dropping by to say hi and hope all is well, Ruth:) XOXO

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    3. Hope you are all doing well, Ruth! Have a great week ahead:)
      PS With your height and build, the shacket would totally look awesome on you!

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  4. Well my best wishes to you and your family the family things are not easy to deal

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    1. You're 100% right - they're more difficult the older I get

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  5. Thanks for sharing that. Let's just say I can relate. Health issues can turn people into someone else, or so it may seem. It's caused by fear, pain and frustration. It's unfortunate those outbursts happen in public but they are a sign that your father is crying out for help. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you.

    Blue

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    1. Blue, you're exactly right - fear, pain and frustration. We're working on it but it requires some heavy lifting

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  6. Yikes first i want to hit my father due to the fact he is so healthy for his age and is such a brat. Second hugs to you all and third I hope therapy helps. My dad as he gets older gets more and more toddler like and has some outbursts but mostly just to me or mark not in public he is on his best behavior out and about (Which shows he KNOWS what he is doing) GRHHH hugs again just cause you all need it!!

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    1. Thanks so much. I do think that having a therapist to talk to is helpful for both of my parents. But yeah... parenting your parents is 100% not fun

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  7. I am so sorry that this has all happened to you, I truly hope that things start to get better. Best wishes to your family xx

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  8. I've been sick so I'm catching up on blogs now. I'm so sorry your parents have been suffering so much and that you and your sister are caught in the middle. I was embarrassed to get the help the needed after AB was born, but it made such a difference once I finally went. I hope their therapist is helpful!

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