My Dad is Joyless

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2009
My Dad is Joyless
2
Wed, 12-30-2009 - 5:35pm

My Dad is 64 years old and for the last ten years, I have really watched his health and his happiness deteriorate.


He has no hobbies.  He has no social life or network of friends.  He has no interest in travel or even leaving the house.  His diet is atrocious.  His life consists of waking up, reading the paper, drinking coffee, then playing solitaire on the laptop for the rest of the day.


My father has become so embroiled and frustrated with the state of society, the government, with his friends, and even with my mother that he is nearly impossible to be around.


He has decided that moving to Canada with my 63 year old mother, who does have an active, vital life, is the best decision to make.


When does frustration with society cross into mental illness?  My father is stubborn, consistently angry, hyper-vigilant, and has never discussed his feelings or emotions.


Any suggestions or similar experiences are welcome.


I thank you for your time.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-06-2009
Thu, 12-31-2009 - 9:22am

I think things become problems

Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Thu, 12-31-2009 - 10:55pm
"hyper-vigilant"
Checking out he boards and I noticed this.
I have a feeling my dad is a bit like this to but he is a little older.
The hyper-vigilant stood out because it came to mind PTSD (post traumatic-stress disorder).
How does your mom feel?
Is she agreeable to the move?
Has your dad been seen by the doctor lately?
I find my dad seems JOYLESS to.
He came here over the Christmas holidays...stayed with my brother, and then went home...I never even knew he was leaving or had left.
I only found out after he called me to say he was home.
Home???
It really saddened me.
He made no attempt or effort really to spend time with either of his grand-kids or myself.
I know he is on a lot of medication but is very secretive lately.
My sister feels the same way.
Almost like paranoia.
My heart goes out to you.
Nightangel
Nightangel