FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

BP daughter

Supportive
Community Member
Hi, my BP 1 daughter was in a clinic b4 Xmas & on meds, back at work and doing well. However her Dr told her that it is ok to have 1-2 drinks. I am sure he meant occasionally. Not saying alcohol is an issue with her, but as we know 2 easily turns into more & it affects meds efficiency etc. I could smell alcohol on her breath, didn't say anything but asked her does she stick to 2 drinks when out & she said yes & no side effects at all. I want to discuss my concerns with her but it's awkward. Do I just back off? This is so difficult, constantly worrying about her wellbeing & wanting her to stay well. I have accepted this BP isn't going to go away & she will need to manage for the rest of her life, but as a Mum it's consuming me. I haven't sought help yet for me, but intend to. Guess I am powerless over someone else's actions & just have to be there to pick up the pieces, which I fear and dread.
2 Replies 2

james1
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello supportive,

Welcome to the forums and I'm sorry about the trouble you are having at the moment.

I don't have a daughter, but I can certainly understand the concern you have as I do have a younger sister and I fret a bit about things she does.

I think it is fine to voice your concerns, but I think this would need to be done pretty tactfully. E.g. have you noticed her behaviour change, or is it precautionary? Her health is, except in extreme cases, going to be managed between herself and her doctor and her friends and family are there to support her as you have done.

As you mentioned, I think the key thing here is to also seek help for yourself as it can be really really hard supporting someone with any kind of mental illness. The sense of powerlessness is tough to deal with and I've had to listen to my sister tell me, while she was overseas on her own, that she just decided to walk home at night with no battery on her phone, in a city she didn't know, through deserted underground tunnels in an area that I know is unsafe, without any local language skills.

But, I reminded myself that she did in fact get back to her room safe and while I told her that was pretty dangerous, I left it at that.

Like you say, the thing we dread is having to pick up the pieces, but more likely than not, it won't happen.

James

Hi James thank you so much, your response has brought a tear to my eye! I found your reply very useful. Actually when my daughter was in the Clinic, I said to myself... hey, don't forget she is a very intelligent young woman, sometimes this can be forgotten in being absorbed with all the worse case senarios. It's a day at a time & I like yourself must cherish the wellness periods with the BP people in our lives. Thanks again😀