Hello everyone! This is my first post, although I've been very interested in reading some of the threads over the last few weeks.
Anyway, I'd really appreciate your support right now. Not necessarily advice, as you don't know the full picture . . . but maybe you've "been there, done that, got the T-shirt".
Basically, we have a close family friend (DF), aged 60, whose behaviour is getting a bit weird. He's reasonably okay 99% of the time, but increasingly "blows up" and gets verbally aggressive. It's like a switch trips in his brain, and he becomes another person for 20 minutes. DF has suffered from depression on-and-off, for many years, but this aggression is something new.
For example, at New Year we arranged a day out with other friends, and DF needed to travel here by train. He announced that he'd be arriving mid-morning on the day before, and when I commented that was a bit early, he "exploded". I had no right to tell DF which train to travel on - it was none of my business. And it was ridiculous of me to suggest that he was being aggressive, since I was being over-sensitive. (This is very over-simplified, but you get the picture).
If this was DF's normal personality, I'd end the friendship instantly. However, I'm really worried that it's the onset of dementia - and don't wish to abandon someone who is ill. He's been referred for psychiatric assessment, but in the meantime, we're struggling to cope with his behaviour.
I've read some fascinating threads on here, from women who didn't realise that they were being subject to emotional abuse. Actually, that's exactly how I feel right now, and I "tread on egg-shells" to avoid setting him off.
So, I'd be really grateful to hear of similar experiences. And advice too, although I've only posted the basic details.
Many thanks!