Staying strong

[Mimimary]

How does the mother of a forty -something daughter with major issues stay strong? When psychotic episodes are 'real' and medication and help from the parents and only friend are rejected, it's tempting to walk. When you see the slippery slope get steeper. When you know that one day, her home will be gone and there will be noting left - what then? When she never says thanks or even recognise help? Even when she's okay, she's mostly not nice and treading on ice is the only way to keep the relationship going, how on earth do we stay strong? When she doesn't even care about her kids? How?

[Paul]

Hi Mimiary,

Welcome to Beyond Blue Forums. Glad you wrote in!

I'm sure that folks on here will have an experience based answer so for the moment I understand that what you describe would be a hell of a job for a mum.

I get the feeling you are hurt, frustrated and angry and rightfully so. Mental illness robs us of ourselves sometimes and the knock-on effect on families hurts just as much.

There may be some helpful info in the section at the bottom of the page in "Supporting Someone" though it's targeted at depression and anxiety, some of the information about looking after yourself is common to all of us who love someone with a mental illness.

The answer might be that "It's the mental illness" but I feel an answer with a deeper understanding of the exact struggle you face and some sound advice is what is needed.

There are carer champions on the forums who are people who look after someone with a mental illness and also volunteer on here to chat with people and share their experiences. I'll ask one of them to drop by and have a chat as well.

Take care.

Paul