mom depressed and dad cheating

[lucita22]

For the past two and a half years my mom has been severely depressed. The past two years she has maybe left the house ten times at most. She refuses to take medication and the doctors can only prescribe medication if she comes into their office, which she will not do. On top of this I have known the my dad has been cheating on her for the past five years and has become an increasingly worse (he used to be more sneaky). I do not believe my mom knows of the cheating (or she ignores it, I'm not sure). Also this past month my dad lost his job, and it was only his income supporting our family. I am not living at home for most of the year because I am away at school, so I find that I can escape the stress of my parents. Unfortunately, my younger brother, who will be a senior in high school this year, is having an incredibly hard time. He has violent, verbal outbursts towards my mother because he becomes so frustrated with her inhabitability to communicate or function the way she once was (she can longer carry on a conversation and just watches game shows all day). Additionally my brother witnesses my dad in on-line chatrooms, texting/calling other women, and him leaving to go "errands". My brother has approached me about my dad's infidelity, but I myself do not know what to say to make it better. From what I have witnessed from being home for summer, my brother no longer respects my dad. Does anybody have any advice what I could say or do to make the situation better? To help my brother? Thank you

[donnaj8887]

For the past two and a half years my mom has been severely depressed. The past two years she has maybe left the house ten times at most. She refuses to take medication and the doctors can only prescribe medication if she comes into their office, which she will not do. On top of this I have known the my dad has been cheating on her for the past five years and has become an increasingly worse (he used to be more sneaky). I do not believe my mom knows of the cheating (or she ignores it, I'm not sure). Also this past month my dad lost his job, and it was only his income supporting our family. I am not living at home for most of the year because I am away at school, so I find that I can escape the stress of my parents. Unfortunately, my younger brother, who will be a senior in high school this year, is having an incredibly hard time. He has violent, verbal outbursts towards my mother because he becomes so frustrated with her inhabitability to communicate or function the way she once was (she can longer carry on a conversation and just watches game shows all day). Additionally my brother witnesses my dad in on-line chatrooms, texting/calling other women, and him leaving to go "errands". My brother has approached me about my dad's infidelity, but I myself do not know what to say to make it better. From what I have witnessed from being home for summer, my brother no longer respects my dad. Does anybody have any advice what I could say or do to make the situation better? To help my brother? Thank you

 

Thanks you for the post.

[rockmartinn24]

It is such a difficult situation for you and your mom. Your mom suffering from depression. You just support your mother. Your father lost his job. So if it is possible for your brother than he can do job and support your family. You just take care of your mom. You can also tell your brother he can understand your father situation and help him.

[wilsonjack66]

it's sad to hear this kind of things... all I can recommand is that you should be strong and you should support your mom because se is passing a really hard time ...maybe a psychologist or psychiatrist could help her out ....this is a serious problem ...as for your brother ,is natural if he is angry... No comment about your dad...he's really stupid if he abandons a beautifull family!!! wish you well

[Fight4Me]

You can call the Department of Health and Welfare in your parents' area and ask for advice and who to specifically contact for help. If your mom is as bad as you describe, she's too depressed to believe that anything or anyone can help her. It sounds like she is at the point where professional intervention is imperative, not only for her own sake, but also for your brother's as he is still a minor.

 

Your father's infidelities could be the cause of her depression, or he may just be so dysfunctional himself to care anymore. Regardless, that issue can be addressed later. The priority is your mom and brother right now.

 

Ultimately, you personally cannot fix this, but there are resources you can tap into that will bring people in who can. I would also check to see if there are campus resources at your disposal to discuss this situation with someone who can help you deal with this. The stress and concern is affecting you, whether you realize it or not.

 

Keep us posted!