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Suggest Treatment For Controlling Behaviour And Low Self Esteem While On Depression Medication
Question: I have a sister who has never been diagnosed for her mental illness. She is very controlling over those she feels are superior to her. She has times of moderate depression. She sometimes thinks her skin is yellow or some other health problem that doesn't exist. She is artistic. She doesn't have proper self esteem. She has no concept how money works. My one question is how to treat and get along with someone like this. She is on depression meds.
Brief Answer:
patience and kindness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for this question.
If she is taking medications for depression then that means that someone has diagnosed her with depression and she is being treated for it. That is a good thing but medications can not treat all the problems that come with mental illness.
When dealing with her try to remember that she has an illness. When she says something that seems like it can not possibly be true just try to ignore it and change the subject.
If she is trying to control you, you just need to stand up for yourself and if things start getting difficult you may just need to walk away from the situation.
People with mental illness often have poor self esteem. Do what you can to help her feel better about herself but do not let her abuse you in the process.
Mental illness causes a lot of pain and suffering. Any patience or kindness you can show to her will help her get through her life.
It seems odd but patients with a lot of internal suffering often push people away just because they do not want people to get close to them and see the extent of their suffering. It can be embarrassing and humiliating to them.
Be kind and patient and remember that when she seems strange or hostile, it is the illness, not your sister talking.
Good luck and thank you for caring about her.
Dr. Robinson
patience and kindness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for this question.
If she is taking medications for depression then that means that someone has diagnosed her with depression and she is being treated for it. That is a good thing but medications can not treat all the problems that come with mental illness.
When dealing with her try to remember that she has an illness. When she says something that seems like it can not possibly be true just try to ignore it and change the subject.
If she is trying to control you, you just need to stand up for yourself and if things start getting difficult you may just need to walk away from the situation.
People with mental illness often have poor self esteem. Do what you can to help her feel better about herself but do not let her abuse you in the process.
Mental illness causes a lot of pain and suffering. Any patience or kindness you can show to her will help her get through her life.
It seems odd but patients with a lot of internal suffering often push people away just because they do not want people to get close to them and see the extent of their suffering. It can be embarrassing and humiliating to them.
Be kind and patient and remember that when she seems strange or hostile, it is the illness, not your sister talking.
Good luck and thank you for caring about her.
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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