I'm worried about my dad

[amberlyrose]

The family came to visit us over 4th of July (siblings and my parents), and some of the things that my Dad said made me
We were talking about kids and he just made a few comments that sounded like he regretted having more than one kid, how life would have been easier if he didn't have 3 kids he had to support, etc. Everything he said the whole week was basically things he regretted doing/not doing.

The next Monday, he was moved to another job within the city he works for because he didn't get along with his boss. I'm not going to say it was all his fault (because she was crazycakes!) but he's just not a people person and can be difficult. He seems happy with the new position because it's working at the senior center, but it was a pay cut.

Today, my sister told me to not buy her a b-day present and give the money to my parents. In her email:
"They're having a tough time now. Dad took a pay cut with the new job and I fear he's becoming depressed. He just got a red light violation in the mail today too ($100). It was the day he was dealing with all this work BS. He also got a letter from the big boss basically saying change your attitude or you're gone from the city. Mom hasn't slept in days because she's worried about him."

I hate being so far away. My sister shouldn't have to worry about not getting presents for her birthday, my dad has a history of depression and really only talks to me, my mom has enough stress after having 3 surgeries in a year. I don't know what to do.

[sake]

Will your dad talk to a therapist or his regular doc about getting on some anti depressants? It might help him feel a lot better, and therefor cause your mom less stress.

[meadowlark]

That's a really tough situation. I guess if you can suggest a therapist or AD's that would be helpful. Beyond that, you'll probably have to let him figure it out because, as PP stated, it's beyond your control. :-(

[amberlyrose]

Jul 27, 2012 15:14:08 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

I've been dealing with some similar things with my parents over the past few years. It's so difficult when you realize that they're vulnerable, emotional human beings, not the rocks you grew up with ... or maybe they have always been this way.

This is part of my problem. He always seemed confident in his life decisions.. I think this would be so much easier if it were my mom.
I think I may need to give him a call this week and just flat out ask if he's depressed. He was on ADs when he quite smoking about 15 years ago..