Children Of Bipolar Parents Community Group

This is a place where those of us who have Parents struggling with Bipolar.I have started this group because my Dad is very sick and I myself have so many questions and need support.So I figured I can't be the only one who is going through this tramatic time.Everyday I wake up hoping to hear the life and soul put back into my Father.It's been three months...

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LQWV 02/13/2023

Looks like things have been quiet here for a while, but I figured I'd take a chance and post. I'm brand new, having found this group after doing an internet search. My mother, who will be 80 this summer as God wills, has been bipolar since around the time of my birth. I am an only child, so learning about 'manic-depression' was a lesson that came pretty quickly. I didn't deal with her challenges for a long time, but now that I am a middle aged person, I am closer to her, both in proximity (I had lived on the other side of the country from her for quite a few years) and in an attempt to be a real daughter, if that makes sense. I was due to come and see her last January, but her condition was deteriorating and on my way to the flight, I passed out from anxiety and couldn't go. It was in my mind a blessing in disguise because I think I would have had more issues had I been there. I did go see her in November and spent about 8 days in her constant presence. It was so stressful because she still wasn't stable. The medical system is failing her. She is back in hospital now, having had some general health issues but primarily is unstable with her bipolar again. She calls my mobile and leaves me messages and then if I call back, it's like she doesn't really remember calling. She's talking about not making it, not taking her medical treatments. I don't live nearby and her message today was she needs me. I can't do anything and feel completely helpless. Yesterday was my birthday and the last conversation I had with her was that it wasn't -- that I had the date wrong and better check the calendar, and that she'd call me back during a commercial break during the Super Bowl. She didn't and left this really dreary message this morning instead. I know she's suffering because she's not sleeping. The hospital isn't doing anything to help her. She's burned her bridges with her male companion, who doesn't understand bipolar disorder anyway, no matter how much he's read or how much I've talked (he's her age). I haven't called him and he hasn't called me (which makes me sad too, that he didn't care enough in the moment to let me know what was happening, even though it was terrible for him too). I just feel lost.

ne123 03/24/2023

Hey LQW. I have a very similar situation although my mother is almost 64. I feel like I am the only one to rely on to try to help her but it’s just too big of a weight to carry. I live about 20 mins from my mom but don’t see her very frequently. She just got arrested because she violated a protection order by calling an old friend who she is hurt no longer wants to speak to her. She’s in the hospital now for a while. It’s so hard to explain the stress and burden of this as the child to someone who doesn’t get it. I want to cry reading your post. I am so deeply sorry.

LQWV 03/24/2023

Thank you, ne123: I am so sorry to read of your challenges with your mom as well. Seems like we are the only ones around here as you are my first reply since I made that post last month ... I appreciate you taking time to answer though -- lets me know I'm not alone.

INM23 05/09/2023

Hi, I am also dealing with an older bipolar parent who is having increasingly frequent conflict with the other people in their lives. They share the drama with me, and I don't know whether things are getting worse because they are acting more erratically and insensitive, or if they are more easily upset, or what. I live far away, and I try not to get sucked into solving the problems, but it is concerning and frustrating to see what seems like issues they are creating for themselves. Anyway, just thought I'd share that we may have some things in common, you're not alone.

LQWV 05/09/2023

I hear you , INM23. It's so hard to know, isn't it? Especially if we aren't close by, and then I wonder if it's better for our own health that we aren't, which feels selfish :( Stay up!

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