How to Help a Mother with Bipolar Disorder?
“I have a strained relationship with my mother (I’m an adult and parent myself) because she’s always been a bipolar parent, but refused to take her medication. Now, she’s ill and needs caring for, but I don’t know if I can handle it. Any advice on how to help a mother with bipolar while still safeguarding mine and my son’s mental health?”
Bipolar disorder is one of the most common life-long conditions. About one to two in every 100 people will have bipolar disorder. This means that almost as many people live with bipolar disorder as they do with cancer. As you very well know, it is a condition where moods can swing from one extreme to another. Mood states can last from days to weeks. Some people will have a few episodes while others can have many.
Without medication, the person can exhibit poor decision making, risky behaviour, sleeplessness, spending sprees, social withdrawal, trouble meeting work obligations, lack of personal hygiene, psychosis or in the worst cases, suicide.
Your situation is difficult and can feel very isolating. This is why connecting with other people experiencing the same thing as you, can help you manage it better and feel less alone. Organizations such as The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) provide a safe space for caregivers and relatives of those living with bipolar disorder.
Right now, with your mum needing care, you need to decide how you want to support her. Only you can make this decision. It may be a good idea to work with a therapist to help you navigate this moment. A therapist will help you establish clear boundaries for you and your son. And remember that you can still support your mother even if you are not directly involved in her day-to-day care. Take care of yours and your son’s mental health, ditch any guilt you may be experiencing, and act according to your own values.
I wish you all the very best.
Love,
Ana
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Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.
Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.
Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.
Again, great writeup!
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ana
Ana
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Ana
