I'm really <b>struggling</b> with dealing with my mum's temper

Terriella
Community Member
Hi, so I'm really struggling with dealing with my mum's temper. One second she's happily serving dinner, and the next she's smashing plates!! I'm 13 and my mum is really really crazy!!! Whenever I have friends over she'll yell and scream at them and when they ask what's up with her I always try to make it seem small by saying 'minor anger issues' even though it really isn't!! I used to think it was normal for families to be like that but when I went to my friends house her parents were treating her like some angel!! I've done heaps of research and my mum fits all the criteria for bipolar disorder. She's always switching moods in a matter of seconds and the whole family is scared of her. I don't know what to do!! I know she'd never go get diagnosed by herself. Should I call a therapist or something??? The situations getting kind of out of hand. Please help!!! I don't know how to help my mum?!?!
3 Replies 3

A2D2
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Terriella.

You sound like you have taken on a huge burden for someone who is 13. You are amazing how you are trying to support your mum even though you are getting hurt. Just finding this forum and asking for help is so mature. My daughter is your age and she is in awe of how resourceful you are and worried about how you are coping.

I don't know if I can really help but someone here will.

The first thing to remember is that this is not your fault. You can't control Mum's moods or the decisions she makes, only your own. At the moment she probably doesn't know how much she is affecting those around her or she is feeling confused and guilty because she thinks she should be doing a better job at being a mum.

I think you want to do something practical. I think it would be best to get some adult help or at least to talk to someone older about it.

Do you ever get to see the doctor by yourself? If you do, they would be great for you to speak to and kind of anonymous.

Perhaps a relative like an older cousin or grandparent that you trust could help.

Or, do you have a student counsellor or school chaplain at school? Or even a school nurse?

Because those people can talk to you and to Mum they might be able to help her see what is going on and get you all some help.

Try to remember she loves you and she isn't trying to hurt you on purpose but don't blame yourself no matter what.

A2D2
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

If you want to talk to someone anonymously to start with, you might like to call one of the help lines here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites

Headspace even have qualified mental health professionals you can talk to over the phone or online so it would be easier for you to organise and you can do something straight away.

Please let us know how you get on.

Guest_322
Community Member

Hi Terriella,

It must be so stressful and upsetting for you to deal with your mum's unpredictable moods. You sound so (understandably) overwhelmed. It's like everyone is walking on eggshells around her.

I think A2D2 had some wonderful advice. Your mum is very lucky to have you looking out for her. You're a gem, you know.