What to do about my dad, tells me same thing over and over?

Question

One on hand he is intelligent, funny, loving and an overall amazing person. On the other hand he is lonely(living all alone now), somewhat depressed and an alcoholic. He lives 4 hours away from me. Every time I talk to him (At least 3-4 times per week) He tell me the SAME thing

'trying to figure something out, so he can start doing something different cause he's in a bad place right now and wants to change his life'

I always say I support him in whatever he chooses to do, want to spend more time with him, want him to be happy, that he deserves it etc etc

He says this same thing so much, it has started to annoy me, I sometimes cut him off and say 'i know, i know' Last time we talked I said 'sometimes starting to do something, then trying to figure it out can be easier'. He agrees but never does anything to change his life at all!

Anything I can do to help him?

Answer 1

He has to want to change himself before this can actually happen. You can lead a horse to water but can't make him drink kind of deal. All you can do is love him and make sure he knows that you are there for any type of support he may ever need. Other then that, the ball is in his court. He has to decide his next move.  

Answer 2

My father is the same way. I used to let him get my hopes up with the bullsh*t he used to say. Then I realized that my dad was full of sh*t. He won't change until he wants to. He just tells you want you wanna hear. Little do they know we want to hear that they ACTUALLY did something today worth while. Not what they plan on that you both know is not gonna happen.

Answer 3

Love him and support him but encourage him to seek help with his illnesses.  Maybe you could benefit from a support group for children of alcoholics.