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Mother with bipolar - tired of it all

  • 22-09-2009 11:09pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    Ok sorry if i havent posted this in the right place.

    My mother has bipolar/manic depression and its really affecting me.

    My parents seperated when i was 12 and I have been basically looking after her since then, I have 5 siblings but they either dont care about her or dont want any part of it. Im 24 now and im the only one who understands her illness and wants to help her but i feel like i cant take it anymore. Last year she was very high and it took me months to help her get back to herself again and now she is sick again.

    I feel like its an endless cycle and every year i have to put my life on hold and help her, I used to never go to school and now i am finally starting to do what i want and now im going to have to give it up again. I wouldnt mind so much if she actually tried to change her life and get her illness under control but she doesnt (or cant as she says anyway) and every year i stupidly get my hopes up again that this time it will get better.

    The hospital lets her out constantly even though she is clearly unwell and everybody else has washed their hands of her. I hate to say it but i wish i could too but i cant, i have a little sister (12) who has to go live with my uncle everytime it happens but nobody else seems to care.

    Its really affecting me and im afraid i am getting depressed. I have had a very tough year, my father had a stroke aswell and i feel totally out of control of my life.

    Sorry for this rant but i am just wondering if there is anyone in the same or similar position to me and has any advice.


Comments

  • #2
    DrIndy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭DrIndy


    There are support groups out there to help carers and they also can help with supporting you and your family. You should have a chat with one of the mental health social workers in the hospital your mum goes to and they may put you on the right track.

    You are not alone is the bottom line and people who do provide the care you do is not only the greatest of sacrifice - but the deepest human goodness you can give someone. You should feel appreciated for this. There is support out there from people who have the same circumstances and help to deal with what arises.


  • #3
    justify
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭justify


    hi,just to let you no your not on your own,my dad in same boat and me my mum and 4 sis are up the wall,in care at moment getting treatment but they keep letting him out on day release which seems to stress him out more .this week we have refused 2 take him as it really gets him and us upset,on top of this we think he has bullima as he making himself sick ,it really is terrible that your on your own
    thinkin of you


  • #4
    iguy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 561 ✭✭✭iguy


    I have bipolar myself...I'm 18 and was diagnosed with it when i was 14...
    I dont take any medicine for it because i have liver and kidneys problems and my 'normal' doctor in hospital would.nt let the 'phyc' doctor give me medication...
    However i was given a rating on how bad my condition was and i was told 10/10,I am able to manage it myself.the only my people that know about it is my Ma and 3 friends...
    Doctors are amazed I am able to control it myself without meds...
    To top it all of I have split personality disorder and I'm schizophrenic,the latter being diagnosed this year which nobody else knows about it apart from now...
    I have never been in the mental before,however for help I go to my counciler once a month and an occupational therapist once a week and talk to my friends and my Ma when i might be a bit down...
    Thats it I just thought i'd put in a bit of input here.....


  • #5
    nofi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33 ✭nofi


    I got the following from www.spunout.ie
    Caring for someone else can be very tough. If you are in this situation you may have worries, feel that others don't understand what you are going through or feel that your friends don't seem to have a care in the world.
    Don't feel guilty if you sometimes feel angry or fed up about having to take care of a sick parent, brother, sister or grandparent. Speak to family, friends, a teacher or another adult you trust and share how you are feeling.
    There is support and advice available: The Young Carers Liaison Service (The Carers Association) have a freephone helpline on 1800 24 07 24. They provide advice and information on where you can get support.
    You can also check out The Carers Association - Ireland's national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home. See: www.carersireland.com Look after yourself.


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