D.H. went to visit Sister Caretaker, always looking for a way to make life easier for her. She has been continuing to care for the beautiful yard at our old house, something she loves to do. It has not yet been rented. The wonderful couple who bought it from us do not seem to be in a hurry to rent it out. I think they are looking for exactly the right family.
D.H. said his father was out in the garden. FIL looked up and saw D.H., waved, came over and greeted him. FIL seemed surprised that our car had a license plate from a different state, and asked if we had moved. He was friendly and courteous. D.H. was so surprised that he asked Sister Caretaker about it. She said the depression and anxiety meds were finally kicking in, and it has made a wonderful difference in him. Her life is much better with him being so much more relaxed, although she is now unable to leave him at all since he has continual problems with continence, a side effect of the meds.
We saw them both at a wedding reception last night. As he had done before, FIL saw us, got up, shook our hands, and greeted us cordially. I can only say I am glad for the better outlook on life. It is hard to think of a loved one so bitter, tense, and unhappy, and such a relief when they are able to let it all go, whether with meds or not.
Depression and anxiety, evidently, are not uncommon among the elderly: "Associated cognitive aspects of underlying anxiety disorders include hypervigilance to threat, seeing oneself as vulnerable, and perceiving the demands of life as exceeding the available resources to cope.[5] Older adults are at risk for anxiety disorders.[5] Increasing frailty, medical illness, and losses can contribute to feelings of vulnerability and fear, and can reactivate anxiety disorders." "The Silent Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Late Life" http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579825
Sister Caretaker says it is all good. She has re-read The Narcissistic Family , which reassures her that the coping mechanisms used by FIL's children has affected their lives, for good or ill, and that recognizing what has happened is vital in being able to forgive and understand.
D.H. said his father was out in the garden. FIL looked up and saw D.H., waved, came over and greeted him. FIL seemed surprised that our car had a license plate from a different state, and asked if we had moved. He was friendly and courteous. D.H. was so surprised that he asked Sister Caretaker about it. She said the depression and anxiety meds were finally kicking in, and it has made a wonderful difference in him. Her life is much better with him being so much more relaxed, although she is now unable to leave him at all since he has continual problems with continence, a side effect of the meds.
We saw them both at a wedding reception last night. As he had done before, FIL saw us, got up, shook our hands, and greeted us cordially. I can only say I am glad for the better outlook on life. It is hard to think of a loved one so bitter, tense, and unhappy, and such a relief when they are able to let it all go, whether with meds or not.
Depression and anxiety, evidently, are not uncommon among the elderly: "Associated cognitive aspects of underlying anxiety disorders include hypervigilance to threat, seeing oneself as vulnerable, and perceiving the demands of life as exceeding the available resources to cope.[5] Older adults are at risk for anxiety disorders.[5] Increasing frailty, medical illness, and losses can contribute to feelings of vulnerability and fear, and can reactivate anxiety disorders." "The Silent Geriatric Giant: Anxiety Disorders in Late Life" http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579825
Sister Caretaker says it is all good. She has re-read The Narcissistic Family , which reassures her that the coping mechanisms used by FIL's children has affected their lives, for good or ill, and that recognizing what has happened is vital in being able to forgive and understand.
