Live Life Team
Does your father or husband become irritable, experience extreme short-term memory, or is he unable to think rationally these days, Possibly, he might be suffering from Grumpy Old Man Syndrome or Grumpus. The illness is characterised by angry behaviour, often with no apparent cause, an inability to hold back one’s thoughts, and beliefs that one’s thoughts can affect the world.
Details of its origins are still unclear today. So far, the treatment for this illness remains unknown. While there are still no treatments devised to cure Grumpus, families and relatives of the patient can try some methods to overcome the psychological trauma that it brings. First, the family should let the patient join in peer activities. Social events, like meeting new friends in a coffee shop or participating in a local group, can keep the patient happy and occupied, and at the same time, give the family a much-needed break. Another is giving a patient a project or task at home that he enjoys to keep him busy in a beneficial way. Otherwise, the family should also avoid bringing up topics that will trigger undesired emotions in the patient. Instead, try to talk about topics that the Grumpus patient is interested in. Most importantly, give your understanding and love to the patient, or whenever possible, stay away from the patient’s vicinity to give him space.
Although the effect of Grumpus on the patient’s family is difficult to overcome, patience and hope can be effective coping mechanisms for them.
