Hello,
I recently visited my family over the holidays. My father has been diagnosed with GAD and had been struggling with it for a while. He's been on some SSRI medication for the past two months which doesn't seem to be working and is swithing to an SRI so I hope that works. My question is about how we as bystanders should support those with GAD. My mom is a very strong and stubborn woman who approaches all challenges head on with determination and structure and she has a really hard time sympathizing with my dad. She feels like he is not making an effort to change because all he does when he's home is lay on the couch and read books despite the numerous exercises his therapist gave him. She feels frustrated and impatient and my dad feels scorned and depressed by her behavior. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to encourage someone with GAD to take action (beyond just medication) or thoughts on how my mom might manage her own wellbeing as well as my fathers? I have tried to get him to go on walks with me or even to play cards but he just tells me he's tired and wants to rest. Any suggestions are appreciated I am worried for the mental health of both my parents and at this point I will try anything.