Depression since FIL diagnosed

melanie2613

My father in law was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I was doing okay with it until I had a really bad nightmare about it the other night. I dreamed that I went to visit him and found him in his car in someone else's driveway. He had gotten lost on the way home and couldn't figure out how to turn the car off. (In real life he doesn't drive) Then there was an alligator trying to attack him. I've never been so impacted by a dream. I cried the whole next day and am so sad I'm going to have to watch him lose his mind. I feel depressed. Just looking for support.

fmb

I'm so sorry that you're having this problem, but you have come to a good place for information and support and just to cry and vent. This particular part of the forum doesn't get much traffic, so you may want to post in the "Caring for a Parent" or "I am a Caregiver" sections in the future.

Since you posted in the "Caring Long Distance" part of the forum, I assume you do not live close to your F-i-L. It is hard to watch someone we love suffer from this terrible disease, especially when we can't be there physically to help with caregiving or to reassure ourselves that our loved one is okay. My mother is in a memory care facility 1,000 miles away. I haven't seen her in 21 years and probably will never see her again. I miss her very much and have trouble dealing with my grief at times.

Your dream had to be very frightening and upsetting. Have you talked with your spouse about this and about your feelings of depression? It helps if you have someone in your personal life who is supportive. Have you considered seeing your doctor about antidepressant medication to take the edge off of the depression? They may also be able to recommend a therapist to help you deal both with the depression and the grief and sadness you are feeling. ((gentle hug))

melanie2613

Thank you, really appreciate the kind words and advice.. luckily my husband is very supportive and he knows how I am feeling. I do take medication for bipolar disorder. And I have a counseling appointment on December 23rd which I think will really help me navigate all of this. Also looking into support groups. Thanks!