Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I have recently been in the hospital for a mixed episode, had my meds changed, and care for my two senior parents who have a lot of needs, both physical and cognitive in nature.
I feel like I am being stretched to the max, and it is really hard on me. I end up falling asleep in my chair every night and sleep eating, and then go sleep with my Mom for a couple of hours in the morning. I only eat one meal a day --dinner. (aside from the sleep eating).
I have a little help available to me if I can get a caregiver for a little while, but Mom is depressed and whining right now about how she wants me not to leave her side.
I have to remember to take care of myself, but I am having a hard time. I put everything I have into taking care of my parents. My own needs get put to the side all the time.
I know this pattern has to stop, but I don't know what to do. I'm a little hypomanic, thinking fast and not sleeping and lots of ideas and energy, but tied down by my parents. So frustrating!!!! SO I bought a bunch of books and stuff I don't need (only $80 worth) online.
What I really want to do is make some coffee and get a whole bunch of stuff done before morning (it is right about midnight now). I also want to stay up and have some ME time. Lots of stuff I want to do, that I didn't get to do because I was busy babysitting my parents all day.
Suggestions?
Oh, I have a psych appointment on 8/8, Saturday, and a therapist appointment on Monday.
I feel like I am being stretched to the max, and it is really hard on me. I end up falling asleep in my chair every night and sleep eating, and then go sleep with my Mom for a couple of hours in the morning. I only eat one meal a day --dinner. (aside from the sleep eating).
I have a little help available to me if I can get a caregiver for a little while, but Mom is depressed and whining right now about how she wants me not to leave her side.
I have to remember to take care of myself, but I am having a hard time. I put everything I have into taking care of my parents. My own needs get put to the side all the time.
I know this pattern has to stop, but I don't know what to do. I'm a little hypomanic, thinking fast and not sleeping and lots of ideas and energy, but tied down by my parents. So frustrating!!!! SO I bought a bunch of books and stuff I don't need (only $80 worth) online.
What I really want to do is make some coffee and get a whole bunch of stuff done before morning (it is right about midnight now). I also want to stay up and have some ME time. Lots of stuff I want to do, that I didn't get to do because I was busy babysitting my parents all day.
Suggestions?
Oh, I have a psych appointment on 8/8, Saturday, and a therapist appointment on Monday.
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Mom and I have errands to run this morning. She said we can get sushi for lunch though. I go back to work today. What are you looking forward to this weekend?
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Quick, before the evil MONday gets here! Let's climb those mountains, dance in the meadows, dip our feet in the ocean....Okay, so most of us won't be doing any of That. Sadly. But today can still be a great day!The area behind our back fence is on an incline, with less than two feet on even ground at the top. I don't balance well enough for the incline, but our mower guy mows that...
It sounds like you need to find some help taking care of your parents, it seems to be too much for your to do, to overwhelming. I get that your mom wants you with her all the time, but the reality is, that can't happen.
Have you considered having a day nurse come in for part of each day to take care of them, or perhaps moving them to an assisted living community? Trying to manage your life, with BiPolar and also manage every bit of both of their lives is a big job and I doubt anyone would see it as wrong if changes were made so that you both could be happy. They could be around people their own age and probably adjust and make friends pretty quickly and you could manage your BiPolar and your life.
It's never an easy decision what to do with your parents when they get older, but with you not being healthy yourself, they probably need more care than you can realistically give them and keep all of you healthy.
Have you checked into any other options like these?
My friend has used respite care for her mom. I she her working hard, and the work is tough. She gets fried. There's such caregiver burnout.
You have so much with the CP, and I also think that sleep interruption plays a big part in BiPolar instability...and if your not healthy then you can't help them.
Have you looked at their Insurances or Social Security to see if there's any funds available for a caregiver each day like from 9-5 or so? That would give you a big break each day.
Sorry to read that you are struggling. You are reaching out for support on here which is a positive step to make. Airing your thoughts will help relieve a little of the stresses you find yourself in at the moment.
Your making positive steps by seeing the relevant people ie pysch and a therapist - so pat yourself on the back.
Just keep airing your troubles and non troubles and the answers will come.
Just remember you are a good person just trying their best.
Big hug
Mark x