[LadyLaveau]

Hey guys!!

Need some feedback here guys! Recently I had a visit with an old friend of mine. We both have mild cp {I am considered handicapped and he is considered challenged} and he sometimes works for me cleaning my apartment. My friend acquired a handgun and several other weapons a few years back after being robbed. I am sort of worried about this because whenever any gun control measures come up on the local ballots here he goes off on these long rants that are beyond the normal grumblings {so to speak} that most people would go into {basically rants that are leaning toward what looks to me like paranoia even though I will admit that I am no expert; things such as "if guns are taken away then what else can gvt take away"}. It isn't just his opinions about guns that worry me. It is that he insists on carrying his handgun everywhere much like a child would do with a security blanket. And that he seems to be hoarding firearms {he said that only has eleven and they are in a security safe; but I say "hoarding" vs "collecting" because of what he said that his reasons are for having them}. Also. When I visited his house overnight recently the kitchen in his duplex was filled with discarded cigarettes and there was a somewhat high pile of dirty dishes in the sink that looks like it at been there for at least three weeks. Kind of need to know if anyone has an idea what might be going on with him. Any thoughts??

PS: Sorry for the color and size. Vision impaired due to cerebral palsy. Thanks!

[Travelinglady]

Hi, LadyLaveau, and welcome to Psych Central! I agree that your friend sounds like he is getting too worked up over this gun issue. Do you think he would be willing to talk to a counselor? I am not sure this issue--and the other problems such as not cleaning--can be dealt with by a friend. Maybe someone else will come along with some suggestions.

Is he keeping the gun he is carrying loaded? That could be very dangerous. And does he have a permit to carry a concealed weapon?

Sorry, but I don't know how to make my print bigger.

[Victoria'smom]

I have CP also "if guns are taken away then what else can gvt take away" is an average saying for gun enthusiasts. In some states I have lived in it was very common to insist on a carried gun. listen to the news stations he has been listening to see if that has anything to do with it. Tell him you don't want to talk about politics or guns. Ask him if he's been depressed.

One in two children with cerebral palsy met criteria for a psychiatric disorder,

Dishes when they pile up often become overwhelming offer to help pick up but often convenience items like microwave meals paper plates and plastic utensils help.