Not that severe, but one day I visited mom and said in passing "I'm depressed" (not meaning clinical depression) and she promptly sat down, looked at me and said "let's talk". This was so unlike my mom who always said.."Oh, snap out of it". I think after my 2nd suicide attempt she finally understood how serious this illness is.

Hi Oleander, I'm so glad things are looking up! I thought your parents did care, but maybe didn't know what to do with themselves until now. Did maybe some of your friends talk to your mom?

My mom didn't change overnight, but over years, she actually apologized for the years of physical abuse she put me through. Wow. I was told not to hold my breath. But some people have it in them.

Make sure to thank your mom. Let her know how much it means to you. Positive reinforcement rules. The more you show how much it helps you, the more of it you'll get.

(I think I should call my mom tomorrow and follow my own advice.)

But the prob cb72 is that most people think my parents haven't changed they are just doing whatever it takes to make me happy, if that means a tattoo then I get one, if that means doing whatever I want ok by them. It's fake and crappy.

How do you know it's fake?

Because I have gone 21 years with my parents being one way and then out of no where they change. Plus to think money will solve my problems is just crazyness.

They might be afraid you'll do something "drastic", if you catch my drift. So they are dealing w/this the only way the know how. Giving you what you want, to make you happy. I bet it's the only thing they can think to do. This illness scares people.

I know that's what they are doing but the whole purpose of my asking advice was cuz I was wondering if other people's parents did this or changed once bipolar suicidal became part of their child's life.

I think people can change. My mom just agreed to travel and come live with us, cause she got scared with all my (physical) health problems. She still doesn't understand my mental health problems. Just the other day she asked why I'm seeing a p-doc. Um... weren't you listening? Guess not. But something pushed a button with her, and she'll come, probably for a few months, to help out.

I don't think you should worry about whether heir behavior is 'fake' or not. I guarantee you that their concern is not fake, and that's what matters. As for behavior... Maybe your mom does or does not understand your tatoos, but that is beside the point. They do what they can, but more to the point, they do what they know how. Take what you get. If they only met you half way, you should be happy, but they seem to be trying real hard.

Do not waste your energy on this. It's just a trick your brain plays on you to keep you from getting better. It's part of the disease to see things for worse than what they really are. Concentrate on doing what you need to do for yourself and heal, get help, meds, whatever works. Get your parent's help now that you can. DO NOT THINK. It's irrelevant.