Mental health problems & out of control spending

Powersmurfuk

Hello all,

Sorry if this has been asked before or this is in the wrong place;

My father had a mental break down a few years ago as a result is not working any more and is retired. Over the last year and a bit he has started to become completely irrational in his behavior with one of things being finances. A few months ago my Dad went to Lloyds and opened up a single bank account and credit card in his name as my Mum blocked him from using their account. Lloyds, gave him a credit card with 2000 pounds limit and over the last few months he has gone on a spending spree. Recent examples are that he spent 1000 pounds on books within 3 weeks on amazon, to buying a new computer (which he didn’t need) to a few other examples. I have seen the stress that this is causing my mum and I was just curious if there is anything she can do to stop this from happening?

The problem is my parents have perfect credit so when my Dad went to open the account Lloyds would have seen no issues. Is there any way we can go through Lloyds to stop him from having high credit limits or is there anything my Mum can do at all, because soon enough the way my dad is going he will spend everything they have.

I would be grateful for any advice.

Gingernutty

You and your Mum have to seek advice.

I don't know how old your father is, what type of breakdown he had, if he's still receiving treatment or why he's 'retired'.

You and your Mum can go to the CAB, the Alzheimer's Society or even try to get a free session with a solicitor - but you may have to steel yourselves for the hassle of taking over your Father's affairs.

If he has a CPN talk to them ASAP - if he's too incompetent to manage his affairs then the sooner the legal ball starts rolling, the less debt he can run up.

Good luck.

System

Might also be worth checking out MSE's guide

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/mental-health-guide?utm_source=forum&utm_medium=clicks&utm_campaign=resourcebar

koalamummy

Is your dad still under the care of his local mental health team? If not do you feel that he is unwell enough to be referred back to them? If you think this is the case you either need to persuade him to seek help by himself or speak to his gp and request that they see him to assess his mental state with a view to referring him on. Unfortunately for your mum until this has happened your dad is completely within his rights and free to run up as much personal debt as he chooses and she can do nothing save pleading to his better nature to get him to stop. If your dad is seen and assessed to be mentally unwell and incapable of safely managing his own finances then and only then can a designated third party intervene on his behalf. Sorry if this is not helpful but the rules in this area are very strictly adhered to for everybodys protection.

Greener_Grass

I don't have any practical advice but just wanted to say i know how you feel, My mum has mental health issues and this is her main symptom of being ill. I know how stressful it is for you when one of your family members behaviour is out of control and you feel helpless. I hope between you and your Mum you can work something out with the banks.

Darlyd

Oh dear !

I had a mental break down many moons ago, And went on spending spree's, was manic, depressed, angry, was a right mess. I was diagnosed with Bipolar type 2. Not saying that he may have this, but it is a possibility.

I would seek the help of a professional asap, before it gets even more out of control, if nhs of no help (can take a while) try a private physiologist.

Rockporkchop

darlyd beat me to it, one of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder is impulsive and irrational spending. It's very difficult to control, it's a type of self medication I suppose.

Someone really needs to drag your dad to the doctor - if he isn't on meds he probably should be, or if he is, they could need reviewing.