"I can't be the only parent who has gone through this. Any suggestions? "

Sometimes I used to WISH that I were the only one, but the tragedy of all this, is that we are just a few out of thousands , trying to cope with this nightmare on a daily basis - for years on end.

On the otherhand, the factor that keeps ME going and that can sometimes tip the balance between struggling on and giving in is the support and advice from other mothers (and Dads too, I suppose? It just seems to be more the mums that reach out for help ) on this and other similar forums. I have been dealing with my daughter's problems and their effect on me for the best part of fifteen years, but it was only recently that I started tapping into these sites.They have been lifelines for me.

I don't have a great deal of actual advice or suggestions, but just knowing that you are not alone and that there is somewhere that you can let off steam occasionally and that there are people that you can connect with who KNOW what you are going through, who will NOT blame you nor suggest "quick fixes" or platitudes can help enormously.

How do we cope ? I don't know, but we do. These dreadful mental disorders damage our relationships with our kids but I don't believe they ever destroy our love for them. And each day that you survive and cope makes you a little stronger.

There are tips and hints aplenty on this and similar sites. There is a heap of clear, sensible and practical medical information (which is NOT so easy to find around the traps) and although it may not CHANGE anything quickly, or at all, it certainly helps. If you know exactly what you are dealing with then that is helpful.

It is terribly difficult, but you will find the strength to cope for as long as you have to. (and give yourself "permission" to have some "not coping" days. We deserve it !)

Best wishes from a newcomer to this forum but a veteran mum.