Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Depression When Dealing With Dysfunctional Family Members
Question: I am 45 year old and the greatest stress on my life has been my parents' dysfunctional marriage. I spent a few hours with them yesterday & there was big drama. My mom is very unhappy & so is my father. This seems to get me very depressed. It seems I spent most of my growing up years depressed over the subject. Growing up in y home was pure hell because of their constant fighting. My father is also an alcoholic & can very very mean, controlling & abusive. I don't know what to do about this situation. They are getting older but still argue & fight like cats & dogs. When I was young my mom even attempted suicide in h presence. All of this has left a terrible mark onmy life. It has affected me in innumerable ways. If nothing else, I have spend decades of my life preoccupied with their marital problems. Can you please suggest a way out?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
The best way for you to proceed would be to begin weekly psychotherapy with a qualified therapist (psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker). There is nothing you can do to change your mother or father -- but talking about how they have affected you can help you get a better grip on how to live your life meaningfully. You can encourage your father to get treatment for alcoholism, but that is entirely up to him. All you can do is focus on what you can control.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
The best way for you to proceed would be to begin weekly psychotherapy with a qualified therapist (psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker). There is nothing you can do to change your mother or father -- but talking about how they have affected you can help you get a better grip on how to live your life meaningfully. You can encourage your father to get treatment for alcoholism, but that is entirely up to him. All you can do is focus on what you can control.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for the response.
1. i feel i need to alleviate my mother's distress. She is very dependent on my father so she doesn't see a way out for herself.
2. i want to help her get alternate accommodations so she can have some respite when things get stressful. Or i can also refer her to agencies that address these type of issues.
4. what is the cost - if i chose to contact you through your private web address
Thank you again dr.
1. i feel i need to alleviate my mother's distress. She is very dependent on my father so she doesn't see a way out for herself.
2. i want to help her get alternate accommodations so she can have some respite when things get stressful. Or i can also refer her to agencies that address these type of issues.
4. what is the cost - if i chose to contact you through your private web address
Thank you again dr.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You might want to reach out to a social worker locally to see what types of services are available for your mother. I think trying to find respite resources for her is a good idea -- but this depends on what is available in your area.
The cost to ask me a direct question with 4 followups is $35.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You might want to reach out to a social worker locally to see what types of services are available for your mother. I think trying to find respite resources for her is a good idea -- but this depends on what is available in your area.
The cost to ask me a direct question with 4 followups is $35.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
