FIL mental health: help!

[ShackUp]

FIL is 72. He had a terrible childhood and had a career which involved life-threatening situations on a regular basis, so at the very least I would imagine he has some form of PTSD.

About a year ago he developed a back problem, which has caused him pain and insomnia. This, alongside his usual fretful state has driven him to talk of suicide.

MIL is reliant on FIL for most things as she is in poor health herself (mobility issues, brain surgery, cancer). She and DH have attempted to persuade FIL to at least get counselling instead of looking for a magic bullet to cure his pain/insomnia. He is old school and won't countenance it.

DH at his wits' end and has asked me to consult the MN hive-mind. What can we do to help FIL? What help is available to someone who won't discuss mental health issues? Who should he see about his back (he's had injections which didn't work)? How does one convince an intransigent person to seek help?

Thank you

Bump

It sounds tough.is there anyone he would listen to- gp, friend, priest who might persuade him?

Thank you sandwich, he relates well to his GP but for some reason has difficulty getting an appointment. He doesn't 'do' friends.

Your dh could write to your fathers gp with his concerns, although gp will not discuss.

Thank you - worth a try!

DH is worried about upsetting his mum, but the GP needn't mention the letter when he broaches the subject with FIL. I personally think this situation is far beyond worries about upsetting people.

First stop GP. If he doesn't want to discuss his mental health would he agree to a referral to a pain clinic?

Has he tried the usual avenues of chiropractors etc?

How would he feel about alternative therapies such as acupuncture or reflexology. They won't cure anything but might give him some mental space and an unofficial opportunity to chat about his physical niggles and how they are impacting on how he is feeling?

My dad suffers from bad backs. It often flares up when he is under stress rather than having a physical cause, the body is a strange and complicated thing.

Thank you hatgirl he's been to pain clinic and it didn't help.

He hasn't tried chiro or osteopath, I really think he needs to, as well as acupuncture.

Interesting about pain/anxiety link, will have a think!

If anyone else has dealt with a similar thing, advice would be welcome!

Acupuncture or chiropractor is a really good idea from hatgirl. Dm has tried these and the process and attention has helped.