I believe my mother needs to be institutionalized.

[IAmThatIS]

I have caught her arguing with people who were not there countless times. She has extreme mood swings. She has, at some point, abused every member of her family, though recently she has only been violent with my father (still legally married) and her pets. I have no proof of any of this, and, as she "doesn't believe in psychology," has never seen a professional or been diagnosed with any mental condition. All her children are adults. Is there anything my father, sister, and I can do?

 

[Proserpina]

Not a darned thing, I'm afraid.

 

[Betty3]

If she becomes physically violent & can't be controlled, 911 needs to be called. It "sounds like" she has a medical condition that needs treatment.

 

[army judge]

I have caught her arguing with people who were not there countless times. She has extreme mood swings. She has, at some point, abused every member of her family, though recently she has only been violent with my father (still legally married) and her pets. I have no proof of any of this, and, as she "doesn't believe in psychology," has never seen a professional or been diagnosed with any mental condition. All her children are adults. Is there anything my father, sister, and I can do?

Dad can have mom committed for a psychiatric evaluation. But, that could bring more trouble for dad and the pets.

I'm no physician, just a poor old Texas, hill country lawyer; but this is reminiscent of Alzheimer's or dementia. My mother and my mother-in-law behaved similarly. We had them evaluated by their primary care physicians. Eventually, they had to be placed into a care facility.

Tomorrow, get mom an appointment for a physical. Perhaps dad will get one, too, if it helps get mom to her Doc. Tell the Doc (privately what you've observed, and what you fear), then allow them to examine and test her. This isn't her fault. She's not mean, if she has one of these diseases, she's sick. Get her help, and give her love.

This is a very tough thing to see happen to someone you love. Take photos, videos, record her voice, spend as much time with her and dad as you can. Make the time, you'll understand why one day.

God bless your mom and dad, your family, and get her help.