Uncomfortable with uncle
Question
My uncle has OCD, phobias and panic attacks, as well as major heart problems. He's in his 50s and visits the doctor every month and also has his blood thinned every month.
My family is currently caring for him, but he is very abusive and aggressive. This abuse is not sexual, but emotional and physical and very degrading to my family. He constantly bullies them, to the point that it is becoming unbearable.
He has serious health problems, but these are not the reasons for his behaviour. Can you please advise me on what I can do to have him institutionalised?
Answer
It sounds like you are very concerned about the impact your uncle's abusive behaviour is having on your family. This is understandable, given how aggressive and unbearable his actions have become. As well as being very draining, it must also be very frightening for you and your family.
The combination of experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias and panic attacks must be very disabling for your uncle too, and could well be triggering his abusive nature. If you think it would be helpful, the National Phobic Society provides a space for people to share their thoughts and experiences on bulletin boards and chat rooms. This includes support for relatives of those experiencing OCD, phobias and panic attacks.
The needs of carers can often get overlooked and this can have very serious consequences. You may like to know Carers UK provides support and advice. If you (or any of your family) would like to speak to someone about your experience as a carer, you can call them on 0808 808 7777.
There are different ways of helping your uncle find the appropriate care for him. People may be sectioned if they are presenting a danger to themselves or others, or are in need of immediate, intensive treatment. It is also possible to be referred for hospital treatment, but enter as an 'informal' patient on a voluntary basis, which means your uncle would not be subject to detention and therefore would not be prevented from leaving when he wished. In addition, his consent would have to be obtained before treatment is given.
Your first point of contact would be your local community mental health team (CMHT), via social services. Both daytime and emergency contact details will be available in your local telephone book or council website. Someone in your family will need to act as the 'nearest relative'. They will have certain legal powers in accordance with the Mental Health Act during the sectioning process, should your family decide to pursue this option.
On the other hand, your uncle may benefit from moving into some form of sheltered care home or supported housing. Information about this option can be obtained from social services. Alternatively, there are many private housing services that may be able to assist with your situation.
If either you or a member of your family should want to talk to someone about your uncle's mental health issues and the impact they are having on each of you, you can call SANELINE on 0845 767 8000. You can talk through any feelings and worries you have, and discuss the option of your uncle being sectioned. They may also be able to signpost you onto any private mental health housing organisations.
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Question answered by SANE
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