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Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

PatrickContributor

Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

My partner, aged 66, has been diagnosed with a delusional disorder. Not sure when it started, but may have been seven years ago or earlier.

She was in a Community Mental Health Program which in my view did not provide satisfactory treatment.

She does not realize she is mentally ill. Now taking medication for the delusional disorder (diagnosed by several psychiatrists) but how can I persuade her to have further treatment as she probably needs therapy to have any chance of getting better?

Currently, she is not being treated by a psychiatrist.

Since her delusions centre on some religious issues, it may be best if she consults with someone from our own religion? I share her religious belief. There does not seem to be a psychiatrist available from our Faith for several reasons, but I may be able to find a clinical psychologist. Her GP can manage the medication.

Why is so little know about delusional disorders?

17 replies

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In response to: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Ali11Senior Contributor

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Fingers crossed the national administration keeps up their end of that, @Patrick. Hope you've enjoyed your day

In response to: Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

PatrickContributor

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Dear Ali11,

Thank you, have a wonderful day!

Kind Regards

Patrick

In response to: Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Unknown userMember

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

@Patrick

How are you coping yourself? I found it very stressful when my husband had his delusion/psychosis.

In response to: Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

PatrickContributor

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Hi Darcy

Thank you for your message, I am coping ok but yes admit it is very stressful. I try to take just one day at a time, which I find helps. The National administration of my religion has promised to provide support and I know it will. That is encouraging but at the same time, I realize the road ahead is still likely to be very up and down. Hoping my wife will agree to see a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist again, and hope we can find one who has an approach she likes.

Kind Regards

Patrick

In response to: Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Unknown userMember

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

I found it helpful to see a counselor myself @Patrick . Helped with the practical matters of coping strategies. I can certainly say that my faith sustained me during the difficult times and continues to do so.

In response to: Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

PatrickContributor

Re: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Dear Darcy,

Agree - I consulted with a clinical psychologist several years ago and found it very supportive.

Kind Regards

Patrick

In response to: Support for a partner who has been diagnosed as mentally ill

Unknown userMember

Re: Response to a friend who has Bipolar Affective Disorder

How are you going Patrick?

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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

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