what should I do when my mom thinks the TV is real

**Understanding and Helping a Loved One with Delusional Thinking**

If your mom is experiencing delusional thinking, where she believes the TV is real, it’s essential to approach the situation with care and understanding. Delusional thinking can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or even severe stress.

### Recognizing the Symptoms

Delusional thinking can manifest in different ways. Here are some common signs:

– **Believing in things that aren’t true**: Your mom might think the TV is talking to her or that characters on the screen are real people.
– **Hallucinations**: She might see or hear things that aren’t there.
– **Disorganized thinking**: Her thoughts might be jumbled, making it hard for her to focus or communicate clearly.

### What to Do

1. **Stay Calm and Patient**
– It’s crucial to remain calm and patient when dealing with someone experiencing delusional thinking. Avoid arguing or trying to convince her that what she’s seeing isn’t real, as this can escalate the situation.

2. **Encourage Professional Help**
– Delusional thinking is often a sign of an underlying mental health issue. Encourage your mom to seek professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment.

3. **Support Her**
– Offer emotional support and let her know that you care about her well-being. Sometimes, people with delusional thinking feel isolated or misunderstood.

4. **Create a Safe Environment**
– Ensure that the environment is safe and comfortable for her. If she believes the TV is real, it might be best to turn it off or change the channel to something less disturbing.

5. **Educate Yourself**
– Learning about the condition can help you better understand what she’s going through. This knowledge can also help you communicate more effectively with her.

6. **Encourage Medication Adherence**
– If she is prescribed medication, encourage her to take it as directed. Medication can help manage symptoms and improve her condition.

7. **Seek Family Support**
– Don’t go through this alone. Talk to other family members or a support group for help and advice. Sharing the experience with others who understand can be incredibly helpful.

### Resources

– **National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)**: A great resource for information and support. They offer hotlines, support groups, and educational materials.
– **Local Mental Health Services**: Look for local mental health services in your area that provide counseling, therapy, and support groups.

### Conclusion

Dealing with someone who thinks the TV is real can be challenging, but it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. By staying calm, encouraging professional help, and providing emotional support, you can help your mom navigate this difficult time. Remember, mental health conditions are treatable, and with the right support, she can get better.

Always prioritize her safety and well-being, and seek help if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle the situation.