Ep 133. I Sleep With a Gun Because I Am Terrified My 19-Year-Old Son Will Kill Me
- May 10, 2016
In the thirteenth season of the Dr. Phil show, episode 133 is titled "I Sleep With a Gun Because I Am Terrified My 19-Year-Old Son Will Kill Me." The episode features a mother who fears for her life at the hands of her own son. The mother, whose identity is kept anonymous, claims that her son is abusive and volatile and that she lives in constant fear of him. She admits that she uses a loaded gun as a security measure to keep her son at bay.
The episode begins with Dr. Phil introducing the mother and her story. He highlights the severity of the situation and expresses his concern for her safety. The mother provides details of her son's abusive behavior, including instances of physical violence, verbal threats, and break-ins into her home. She recalls feeling helpless and scared when her son is around.
Dr. Phil probes further into the mother's story to understand the root cause of her son's aggression. Through conversation, it is revealed that the son has a history of mental health issues, but he refuses to take his prescribed medication. Dr. Phil notes that this may contribute to his violent outbursts and advises the mother to seek professional help for her son.
The episode takes an emotional turn as the mother reveals the extent of the trauma she has experienced. She acknowledges that her son was a kind and loving child but changed drastically in his teenage years. She recounts how her son's father had left them when he was young, and she struggled to provide for him adequately. Dr. Phil empathizes with the mother, acknowledging the challenges of raising a child alone.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Phil offers the mother guidance on how to cope with her situation. He addresses her underlying fears and anxiety and emphasizes on self-care and self-preservation. He encourages her to seek support from family and friends and put in necessary measures to protect herself.
Dr. Phil also confronts the son, who appears on the show, to address his behavior. He underscores the seriousness of his actions and encourages him to seek professional help to manage his aggression and mental health issues. Dr. Phil appeals to the son to recognize the pain he has caused his mother and encourages him to make amends.
The episode concludes with Dr. Phil offering the family an option for professional support to address their issues. He reiterates the importance of mental health and encourages them to access resources available to them. The episode highlights the difficulties families can experience, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Overall, "I Sleep With a Gun Because I Am Terrified My 19-Year-Old Son Will Kill Me" is an emotional and thought-provoking episode that confronts mental health, family dynamics, and the challenges of single parenthood. The show stresses the importance of professional help and generating awareness about mental health issues and the impact on families.
