Because of the nature of the delusions it would be very difficult to talk with the children about this - his behaviour towards them is mentally totally normal and towards everyone else. They know how weak he has become though.
I fear telling them because the nature of the delusions would shock them. I also value my OH's self-respect and dignity - I would not want to take that away from him in relation to his family.
It is such a grim disease. We do not know whether it is the start of PD dementia or (hopefully) the effect of some of his many medications - but he has been on them for years, so it is a bit of a faint hope.
Luckygirl, so sorry to read your post. Apologies for this but what is PD? i understand the reasons we try to protect our grandchildren and their parents. My mum tried to shelter her adul children from dad's deterioration. I understand why but we were all aware and found it difficult to broach the subject because we didn't want to make it more difficult for her. I've no easy answers but it's something to reflect on, that is whether to begin to be more open with your children at a time when you feel strong enough I'm not trying to encourage you to do something you feel wouldn't help. Sending positive thoughts
Oh lucky that is so hard. Maybe, just maybe, your children are entitled to know about their Dad?
My DHs Dad was we found out after the death of his Mum quite ill mentally, but she had successfully kept it from us until she died. The tragedy was that because of his unpleasant behaviour we kept away. We so wish we had know as we would have been so different with him.
I do hope tomorrow is better, but you can't deal with it entirely on your own and you shouldn't try.
Luckygirl I can offer nothing but some sympathy. It must affect people in different ways, my neighbour had PD but the symptoms seemed to remain physical.
Do you need to keep this from the DC or would they rather know and offer you some practical help and respite?
It has been awful - OH's PD has caused some serious paranoid delusional problems (directed at me) and it is tragic to see such an intelligent and gentle man unraveling before my eyes. It is a huge strain trying to keep this distressing aspect of his illness from the children and DGC. Just a bit of a moan really. I feel exhausted with it all; and sometimes do not know who I am living with - certainly not the man I married.