Newbie looking for advice

Worried_daughter · ‎07-03-2016

Hi all,

i am new here and a bit afraid. My mother is severely depressed and has withdrawn socially and does not want to do anything or leave the house. Her gp diagnosed her with depression about 2 months ago and she went into a bad state where she froze and could not speak so we went to the hospital and they said it was not depression and that she was having seizures and they stopped the antidepressants that were prescribed and she is now on epileptic medication and was diagnosed with epilepsy. I still think that she has depression and the gp has advised that she is severely depressed and needs to see a psychiatrist. We finally have an appointment tomorrow but I just want to ask is it normal for her to talk about things that aren't real and to feel paranoid about us losing the house etc? I am really worried and just want my mum back!

white knight · ‎07-03-2016

Hi worried daughter, welcome

Well, it certainly is a matter for a psychiatrist I think. As sufferers we are limited as to advice.

But depression has many types of symptoms. At 12yo I "froze" as you say following a trauma (my older brother nearly drowned after a diabetic turn in our pool)- I didn't talk for 3 months. That and other family mental issues led to a life of turmoil.

Your mums irrational behaviour etc could be temporary eg could be caused by stress. So don't lose hope or over react at this stage. Good to see her getting professional help. Big tick there.

We are here to help so do feel bad posting again.

Tony WK

White_Rose · ‎07-03-2016

Hello Worried Daughter

Welcome to the forum. How lovely that you are looking after your mother.

Not being doctors we cannot comment on anyone's medical condition. Having said that I do think someone can have both epilepsy and depression. The doctors may feel the two medications may not work well together, but this is something to ask the psychiatrist when you meet him/her.

The psych will be able to decide what is real or not and it is not unusual for people to talk about things that are not real. I am sure they feel real to your mom. My sister told me about our mom being ill on one occasion. Mom did not know where she was and kept saying a few things. It turned out she had a kidney infection and once that was cleaned up she became herself again. I'm not suggesting your mom has a kidney infection but sometimes one illness leads to another.

I think we all have our pet worries that usually stay in the background. When we are unwell these are the times the worries tend to surface. Has your mom been in a situation where she has lost her home, or perhaps a family member has lost their home? This may have planted a seed in your mom's mind. But whatever the reason, I feel the psychiatrist will be able to diagnose her condition, prescribe suitable medication and help your mom through this difficult time. Has your GP given you a letter for the psych? If so I expect it will relate all that has happened to mom recently.

Please continue to write in here as we are interested in the outcome of the visit to the psych and your mom's well being.

Mary

reddress · ‎09-03-2016

yes depression (major depression) can have many symptoms. Seeing things that are not real and being paranoid sounds like a psychotic episode..I hope your mum gets the help she needs. you can always take her to hospital, or find a mental health clinic. go back to the GP with her and talk on her behalf about her symptoms.