Hi d.93,
First thought on reading this thread was you sound absolutely exhausted and frustrated. So what have you got in place to support yourself?
Have you had a chance to seek out some of the threads by carers? It would be worth looking into and finding some ideas for how carers manage because your own mental health is important too.
I go to a psychiatrist once a week for psychotherapy. This thread has a bit of my story on it and some others discussing psychotherapy...
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/psychotherapy
It isn't a quick fix and constantly opens a new can of worms to work through but I see benefits. Even if my depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts are present I have a lot more awareness now as to what is happening in my head and can distract myself.
It is a work in progress but knowledge about yourself I feel is valuable. We can only start working on the problems when we have identified what they are.
My psychiatrist is quite firm with medication too... He wants me to learn to manage myself and rely on the lowest dose possible. I hope that your Mum finds her therapy as empowering.
Do you think you've got a chance of getting her to come online and talk? Maybe it will give her an outlet which is not family. It is easy and helpful to talk and vent openly anonymously without the pressure of performing for family members.
I can feel your frustration through the post. It is understandable. I believe sometimes family have to step back and let the doctors take charge because they only know your Mum as she is now (not who she used to be). I felt pressure to be well as soon as possible. To get back to being "Mum" and "myself". Thing is I am changing. That is ok but it can be hard for family to accept.
Good luck to your Mum. I hope she feels able to join us too.
Nat
