unplug the phone?

Take whatever time you need. Tell them you are not the problem solver, and you are taking time off to take care of your own mental health.

if they have a problem with that...screw 'em. Everyone is entitled to hide out sometimes.

get an answer phone Hon

My family know now that when I don't answer the phone I'm struggling. My sister still gets angry about it, but the others are beginning to learn. Give yourself a break, and like Daisy said, if they can't handle that screw em.

thanks guys,

my sister in law just left...she was calling to tell me that the dentist that treated her was "oooh soooo cute"....like i really care...and then she gets upset cause i can't help my nephew with his homework...well, i didn't do her homework when she was little, i don't do my son's homework, and i'm not going to do anyone's homework...they have to do the work, i just try to show them which way they should go...but sometimes i can't even do that...

unplug the phone...its a cell phone, i do screen my calls only answering the calls from my immediate family, but they get upset at that

Daisylou; thanks, i think i'll just keep hiding out...that does make me feel better...

since it's a cell phone, it goes directly to voicemail when i don't answer, but they just skip it and call me right back....and if i don't answer, they start texting me!!!...i just want to be left alone, and they don't understand that...


Juice, how did you explain it to your family...i feel like if i tell them, they'll say just get over it and its not that bad...only i know how bad it really is, but they won't understand?

thanks for your support and for letting me vent...it helps a little bit...

-DR-

I can relate to your problem as my family and friends are always calling me for advice, to be their therapist or doctor or nurse, and everything in between.

I think you just need to tell them that it's not that you don't want to help them, it's just that right now you aren't capable. Tell them that you love them and wish the best for them but have to get your own life in order before you will be able to help others.

Hopefully they will understand and start to ease up on you.

I feel the same with the phone. My Mum(bless her) has learned the art of texting now and she will not keep on. I feel rediculous being scared of the phone and am hoping to get over it. Yours sounds more like you just need a more understanding family!!
Perhaps you can print them some info on depression etc and underline the parts you feel are relevant to you and what you feel they need to take on board. Take care.x

Hear you.