Head banging in adults

[Nic2010]

I put this in the family section as well but thought i would post here too

Hi,
I just want a little advice really. I have just found out my mum has been banging her head against the wall when stressed. I am really worried about the effects this can have eg. brain damage,stroke etc. She has been depressed for many years and has been on anti depressants for most of my life ( i am now 30). She relies on my uncle for both emotional and practical needs and as a result is causing alot of friction in the family and i feel like i am stuck in the middle. We have never had a great relationship and have never been close as i never felt she met my needs as a child (i am an only child and it was just us two) and alot went on i dont want to go into. She is now living in semi sheltered accomodation and should have more support around but this doesnt seem to be the case. She is very stubborn and wont listen when I tell her to go to the doctors or talk to a professional and i really dont know what else to do. I know she is depressed and gets very easily stressed but banging her head is new thing and i am worried

[ladyalex]

I appreciate that you are worried, Nic, but I seriously doubt that you can help your Mum.
Either she is profoundly depressed or she is attention-seeking and either way there's not much you can do for her.
If she has been on anti-depressants for most of your life (and hers) , hopefully she also has some contact with the psychiatric services . If so, the best you can do is to contact her Community Nurse if she has one and ask for a visit, or her Consultant's secretary and ask for an urgent appointment. If your Mum won't see them/ agree to any of this, then you have done your best.
If she does not have any contact with the Psychiatric Service, then the best you can do is to contact her GP and ask for a home visit. Insist that the GP comes to see her, telling the receptionist that he/she is obliged to come out.
After that, try to just leave things alone and get on with your own life.
Please try not to get too involved in arguing with her about whether she will go to a Dr or not. All it will do is exhaust you.
Best of luck, I think you are going to need it.

[mazie]

I believe ladyalex is spot on. I had similar problems with my Mum it was attention seeking in the begining and I would get telephone calls all the time from worried neighbours! She then developed Dementia and it went from bad to worse,. she also wouldn't see the doctor, so i got the doctor to do a home visit. as a consequence the doctor referred her to the local Psychiatric Hospital . She had a brain scan and dementia was confirmed. after that every thing started to happen we got carers who came in 3 times a day and a brilliant social worker who really makes sure all my Mums need are met. Get the doctor to visit and be there when he/she comes. Good Luck Nic x

[Nic2010]

Thank you both for your answers i appreciate your response. I suspect it is part attention seeking and part depression. I just hope it doesnt get worse or turn into anything more serious.

[Nic2010]

mazie, how old was your mum when she was diagnosed with dementia?

[chopsybirdx]

hi, was raised in a similar manner and have learned to accept that my mother just has'nt got the savvy 2b ur average mum, she has her probs but they're not urs. as 4 the headbanging cud it be 2 stimulate her brain, i used 2 work with people who had learning disibilities and this was v common as it releases endorphins in the brain

[Revel]

I go to see my mums GP when she is "playing up".She is nearly 80 and has a whole host of issues and problems.The GP cant discuss her with you but you can tell him/her your concerns and leave it to them to sort out. Also,most sheltered accomodation has a warden,perhaps also mention it to them.