She asked me twice whether I thought her stories sounded crazy, so she was clearly somewhat aware of her condition.
Not necessarily.
It’s very likely everyone in her life were telling her it’s all in her head, she gets mad and says she’s not crazy…
Then calls random repair people, tells them the story. And asks “am I crazy” because most businesses would never say that to a client. She was looking for validation, the same way people go fishing for compliments saying stuff like “I’m so bad at my job, I don’t know how you all put up with me”. Even if it’s true and they’re dead weight, most people will be polite and reassure them.
I just didn’t know how to deal with someone like that
Tell them that they should relay their concerns to a medical professional if they’re concerned.
If they’re seriously doubting their delusions, they’ll go get help and thank you for the advice.
More likely they’ll realize you’re not giving them what they want, get mad, and often blame you for being involved in the conspiracy.
But there’s a chance they actually get help.
Any kind of acceptance of their beliefs, no matter how tentative, reinforces it and drives them further into the delusion. Depending on how involved her family is, she might have called them immediately, and after cussing them out said even the plumber agrees she’s not crazy.
Not necessarily.
It’s very likely everyone in her life were telling her it’s all in her head, she gets mad and says she’s not crazy…
Then calls random repair people, tells them the story. And asks “am I crazy” because most businesses would never say that to a client. She was looking for validation, the same way people go fishing for compliments saying stuff like “I’m so bad at my job, I don’t know how you all put up with me”. Even if it’s true and they’re dead weight, most people will be polite and reassure them.
Tell them that they should relay their concerns to a medical professional if they’re concerned.
If they’re seriously doubting their delusions, they’ll go get help and thank you for the advice.
More likely they’ll realize you’re not giving them what they want, get mad, and often blame you for being involved in the conspiracy.
But there’s a chance they actually get help.
Any kind of acceptance of their beliefs, no matter how tentative, reinforces it and drives them further into the delusion. Depending on how involved her family is, she might have called them immediately, and after cussing them out said even the plumber agrees she’s not crazy.