My Dad was not an alcoholic but he had anxiety due to a long illness. Anxiety is terrifying to the person who has it but also to those around them. It starts silently and even people close to them may not even notice.
Looking back when I was with my Dad little things now stand out more quirks as to why small things now upset him. As Dad's illness got worse I could see the anxiety but still I wasn't sure what I was seeing. My Dad a blue collar worker arms the size of my legs, impervious to anything, stoic. But to see the affects of anxiety on him was terrifying.
Thank god for these types of drugs it made my Dad's life bearable. It's not perfect but living in terror versus being a bit drowsy is the better choice. I wouldn't wish anxiety on my worst enemy.
Did you ever get a chance to talk to your dad about the illness and the drugs effect on him personally? Did it take awhile to convince him to take it given his stoic nature?
No not really but he was aware of the beneficial effects of the drugs for his lungs, and for his rheumatoid arthritis. But near the end he was also on morphine to help his breathing which was great but it's a terrible drug for causing constipation!
His mind was clear up until the last two months because he was in the hospital and then palliative care. So that was not unexpected to be said since he'd never be home again.
It was quick really only about a month until he died once in palliative care. Although I could tell he was putting on a brave face. Dad died by my side in his sleep in palliative care but he was clear of mind two days before. He was never alone at home, in the hospital, or in palliative care I was always there.
Anyway I could ramble on about it more but really my family is lucky to live in a country with socialized medical system. I'm also thankful for drugs there are some amazingly helpful drugs can ease suffering of many people.
Looking back when I was with my Dad little things now stand out more quirks as to why small things now upset him. As Dad's illness got worse I could see the anxiety but still I wasn't sure what I was seeing. My Dad a blue collar worker arms the size of my legs, impervious to anything, stoic. But to see the affects of anxiety on him was terrifying.
Thank god for these types of drugs it made my Dad's life bearable. It's not perfect but living in terror versus being a bit drowsy is the better choice. I wouldn't wish anxiety on my worst enemy.