(53F) Experiencing Delusions After Grandmother's Passing (76F)
We’ve recently experienced the loss of our grandmother, and since then, my mother has been fixated on the idea that our home is infested with bedbugs. She is convinced that her brother, whom she dislikes, has somehow placed them in her bag. This obsession has led her to clean the apartment obsessively and even invest in a brand new vacuum cleaner. While there are moments when she seems more like her usual self, today was particularly troubling as she started packing her belongings, expressing a desire to leave. Although she didn’t actually go to the door, her continuous insistence that she can’t remain here due to bedbugs and that someone is threatening to throw us out is concerning. They shared a very close bond, and with her funeral scheduled for tomorrow, we are at a loss as to what to do. We’re debating whether we should call for psychiatric assistance, although she would likely resist such an idea. Will this pass in time, or do we need to take immediate action? Just last evening, she seemed to return to her normal self, but today all she can think about are these nonexistent bedbugs, and she lacks any rational reasoning behind this belief, even when we attempt to discuss other topics.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 12:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm very sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing and the difficulties your mother is experiencing following her loss. It's understandable that grief can manifest in various ways, and shifts in mental health can occur, especially in stressful situations. Your mother's fixation on bedbugs and feelings of threat could indicate a reaction to her intense emotional state.
Summary of Key Points:
- Your mother's behavior may be a response to grief and stress.
- Obsession with non-existent threats can indicate temporary delusions.
- Monitoring her symptoms and considering support options is essential.
Explanation:
Grief can bring about significant psychological and emotional responses. Some people may develop unusual beliefs or behaviors, especially when they are in distress. It sounds like your mother is experiencing these reactions, which may fluctuate between clarity and fixation on her concerns. While this can be troubling, it often occurs in the context of bereavement.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Stay Calm and Supportive: When communicating with your mother, approach her with empathy. Acknowledge her feelings, even if they seem irrational; this can help her feel heard and reduce anxiety.
-
Monitor Her Behavior: Keep an eye on her actions over the next few days. Notice if the fixation increases or if she shows other troubling behaviors, such as disconnection from reality or severe agitation.
-
Introduce Gentle Distractions: Encourage light activities that can redirect her focus—like engaging in comforting activities (watching a movie, looking through photos, or talking about fond memories of her mother).
-
Consider Professional Help: If her behaviors worsen or do not improve within a few days, reaching out for psychiatric support may be essential. If she resists, try framing it as a "check-in" for her well-being rather than labeling it as psychiatric help.
-
Encourage Rest: Ensure she is getting enough sleep and eating well. Stress and emotional fatigue can hinder her recovery.
-
Plan for the Funeral: Given the funeral is tomorrow, maintaining a supportive environment during this time is crucial. Engage her in discussions about the event and how to honor your grandmother's memory.
Remember, this is tough for both you and your mother. Taking care of each other and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength. If you notice significant escalation in her behaviors or distress, don't hesitate to consider obtaining support more urgently.
Related Questions
Exploring Discomfort: Left Side Rib and Shoulder Blade Concerns
Age: 37 Gender: Male Height: 6 feet 2 inches Weight: 250 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: 6 months Location: United States Existing Health Conditions: None Current Medications: None Greetings, medical professionals. I've been experiencing a troubling sensation originating from the lower left side of my ribs, extending towards my shoulder blade. Recently, I’ve noticed that one of my ribs seems to protrude into my bicep when my arms rest flat by my sides. This manifests as a persistent, dull pressure that isn’t overtly painful but occupies my thoughts frequently. I have undergone several tests including EKGs and bloodwork, along with an X-ray, which confirmed that my spleen is of normal size, there are no irregularities with my heart, and my lipase levels are within the expected range. Additionally, there hasn’t been any indication of blood in my stool. If this issue is potentially linked to pancreatic health, I plan to adjust my diet to focus on lower fat options. At times, the discomfort resembles the sensation of a limb falling asleep, particularly localized at my left shoulder blade—could this imply issues related to blood flow or nerves? I consume alcohol infrequently, perhaps once a month at most. The feeling that something is amiss, as if there is a growth pushing against other internal structures, leads me to suspect that the pressure from my ribs into my arm is significant. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice regarding my condition.
Need Advice on a Mysterious Bug Bite
Hello everyone, I’m a healthy woman, weighing 145 pounds and standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall. About a week ago, while camping in Northern Alberta, Canada, I experienced a bite on my ankle. Although the actual bite is starting to heal, the surrounding area remains painful and bruised. My appointment with a doctor isn’t until Monday, which is the earliest I could manage. While I was in the water for about five minutes with leeches, I didn’t see any that needed removal, so I’m puzzled as to why I’m experiencing such significant discomfort. It’s even painful to walk! The bruise appears close by, but I’m unable to capture a clear image of it. Additionally, I’m also quite concerned about ticks! Normally, my body heals quickly, so this situation feels abnormal. I would really appreciate any insights or suggestions. Thank you!
21-Year-Old Male Experiencing Ongoing Head and Eye Symptoms After Treatment
Greetings, I'm a 21-year-old guy facing persistent issues with my head and eyes, which began in early June after I spent an extended period looking at screens (mainly enjoying manga and anime on my phone, paired with very little sleep while studying for exams). Here’s a summary of my symptoms: - A constant throb in the veins and nerves on both sides of my head. - A warm feeling in my left ear, occasionally in the right ear as well. - Tingling and a hot sensation radiating from my right leg down to my toes. - At times, my eyes feel over-focused or strained. - There’s a painful bump on the side of my head that hurts when touched. - Triggers for my discomfort include prolonged use of my phone or laptop, masturbation, insufficient sleep, and stress. - I've found that applying a cold compress, taking showers, or simply resting helps alleviate my symptoms. Treatment History: - **First appointment (June):** Noted an increase in prescription for my right eye. - **Second appointment:** Doctor recommended flunarizine, a medication for migraines, alongside some vitamins. - **Third appointment:** My eye power increased yet again; I received a new pair of glasses and some eye drops. This helped alleviate some of the heaviness in my head. - **Current status (September):** I’m still experiencing throbbing sensations, tingling, and warmth in my ear, sometimes even more intense than before. - Occasionally, I revert to lengthy periods of phone use or late-night manga sessions, which exacerbate my symptoms. Now, I have a few questions: 1. Do my symptoms seem more indicative of chronic eye strain or migraine, or would it be wise to consult a neurologist regarding an MRI and further tests? 2. Is it typical for throbbing and tingling sensations to linger for months even after receiving corrective eyewear? 3. Are there any concerning signs or symptoms here that I should be vigilant about?
Can Saliva Transmission Lead to Eye Diseases?
Does a small amount of saliva make contact with your eye during a conversation pose a serious threat? Could this potentially result in the transmission of HIV, hepatitis, or other infections, depending on the health status of the person you’re speaking with?
Understanding Orthostatic Hypotension
I'm feeling perplexed after my recent visit to the cardiologist, where I received a diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension with a positive indication related to my heart rate. Can anyone help clarify what this means? I’m a 28-year-old female, 4 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 119 pounds. I have been managing fibromyalgia and thrombocytosis. At the moment, I'm taking Lexapro (just started 4 days ago) and Buspar for anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.