Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Struggling

calmsea
calmsea

I had a rough night last night. My mother who has been in and out of my life since I was born and my dad got full custody just showed up at my building, having a psychotic episode. She's schizoeffective and hasn't taken medication in years, and has been hospitalized frequently throughout most of her life. My 2 older sisters were the ones who mostly dealt with her, along with my grandmother and aunts and uncles, so I've never seen her like this or had to deal with it. It was first time seeing her having a psychotic episode in my entire life, and it was so heartbreaking. I got her hospitalized and I feel good about the way I handled things on my own for the first time, but it had such a huge effect on me. I only slept a few hours last night because of my anxiety. Thankfully I had 2 friends who I talked to on the phone, but I really wanted to talk to my boyfriend, but he was half asleep and ending up getting off the phone with me after a few minutes, but that's a whole other issue. I really wish he was there for me more.

RJW
RJW
Thank you for sharing. Often with depression, we don't see all the good we do. It is masked by thinking on what we can't do, and that we are failures. What you did for your mother was tremendous. That took great strength and more so when caring depression with you. It is very inspirational. I am a Christian, so both you and your mother are in my prayers. Thank you for the inspirational story of great strength.
bridgie101
bridgie101
Poor mum, what a crippling existence. Those Schizo drugs sedate them to nothing, I can see why she avoids them, but not knowing what is real must be so hard for her. All we've got is our sensory input and if that is false how can we know? My heart goes out to her and to you all, her family, for having this cross to bear.
Tabbyka
Tabbyka
That was so good of you to look after your mum and help her get into hospital. It must have been traumatic for you. Gentle hugs. Sorry to hear your boyfriend wasn't as supportive as you needed. You sound like a strong lady with great inner strength. Both my parents have mental health issues and I know how upsetting it is to your life and you have to parent them. I hope your anxiety decreases and you get some nice sleep. Be proud of the way you handled the situation, sounds like you did an awesome job.
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
Unmedicated schizoANYTHING is pretty dangerous stuff. I urge you to do a lot of research on schizophrenia since you are now more exposed to it. You DEFINITELY did the right thing getting your Dear Mom to a hospital.

To me, the important thing is that you (very well) know what to do in the case of future contact. There is PLENTY of information on the Internet about it. Please ... brush up on the subject.
calmsea
calmsea
Thank you everyone for your kind words! I really appreciate it.
Tabbyka
Tabbyka
WanderingVet. I'm sure you didn't mean to yet your reply sounded a tad judgemental and a bit hysterical. If I suffered from schizophrenia or any of my family, I would have been offended by the tone of your message. Hope you don't take offence, I just wanted to help shed light on the way your message came across. I know you probably meant well.
sunnyface
sunnyface
This must have been an extremely challenging time for you. Sounds like you did an awesome job in handling the situation. I do hope your mom gets the help she needs! Relieved to hear that you have friends and family that you can confide in. Support and encouragement are so beneficial in times such as this. I’m sorry your boyfriend wasn’t as supportive as you would have liked. Does he realize how difficult this is for you? Continue to reach out! Blessings!!
sharaninmd
sharaninmd
It took a lot of courage and strength for you to get your mom to the hospital. My mother in law was a paranoid schizophrenic and her illness effected the entire family. I am glad you had supportive friends and family to talk to and hopefully your boyfriend will be more supportive in the future.