Depressed mum-not sure how to help

[Sunny3]

My mum has had depression for as long as I remember but recently she's going through a tough phase due to changes in her medication. I want to help but I'm also struggling with my anxiety and at the moment all this is leading to my own depression (I'm still living at home). The rest of my family says I need to be more supportive but my mum also seems to be taking her anger out on me at the moment and is resistant to my presence. I want to help and be there for her but I'm not sure what I can do to help when I'm struggling myself. Has anyone been in a similar situation before and can give me some advice?

[Gruffudd]

Hi Sunny,

Welcome to the forums. While you are here it might be good to check into the Young People forum and the Community Board for a little time out and support.

There is information about Depression here that is helpful to explore to understand what is happening for your mum. I'm not surprised that it feels like she is taking it out on you, she might just be feeling anxious and have a short fuse. In my experience the best thing to help when struggling myself is to pay attention to the self care, make sure you do the little things that feel good, like for me having a bath every day makes a difference, but also getting on here and communicating has a surprising effect.

I hope you are going well, all the best for now.

Rob.

[pipsy]

Hi Sunny. Welcome here. Perhaps if you slip along to your Dr and mention the changes to your mums med and how it's affecting you. Your family's lack of support doesn't help either. Rob is quite right about mood swings associated with changing AD's. Your Dr may want to see your mum to see for himself how her moods are (if he doesn't already know). Perhaps a therapist to give you some coping strategies, also time away from the pressure would help you. Check out the forums on here that Rob suggested too.

Lynda.

[Sunny3]

Thank you both for your replies, I am checking out the links now but I think it was helpful just having someone else to talk to. Her medication is starting to kick in now so she has been less fragile and I'm hoping this will help the tension in our relationship. Thanks again, Sunny