[providence1]

Hello community. Today finds me anxious, very sad and damn right angry at the fact I've beening working so hard over the recent months to recover from a bipolar meltdown and many truly horrid things are happening around me. My brother is dying at the ripe age of 50 due to substance abuse, my parents are obviously devastated by this but they're also overwhelmed in raising a second child of his. I want to offer as much support as I can but I've just gotten back on my emotional feet (not to mention having to work 2 jobs to survive). Fortunately I have a couple of close friends who offer invaluable support but I felt I should reach out to "my own people" also. I suppose I'm simply looking for a little feedback and empathy to get me through a time that seems very emotionally difficult for God knows how many more days in the future...

[birchtree]

I don't know what to say except I'm sorry you are going through all this

[Nammu]

I'm glad you found PC(psych central) this is a good place to find understanding people who get MI.

Welcome.

[BlackSheep79]

Just remember that there is always support for you thru the good and the bad.

I think "strong" is one of those things you can see in hindsight. At the time, it usually doesn't feel like strong at all(!) More like overwhelmed (in my experience anyway). The key seems to be taking it a bit at a time. A day, an hour, a minute at a time, depending on how it is going. It's understandable wanting to offer as much support as you can, but do try to keep it realistic for you and where you are. It's all too easy to "should" ourselves into overcommitment. Remember to factor in what you need to keep the stability you've worked so hard to get back to.

I'm sorry you are going through this and especially as you've just gotten back on your feet. I'm glad you've found PC. There are a lot of good people here.

[BipolaRNurse]

I believe everything happens for a reason, and that there are lessons to be learned from it, which we really don't realize until we're on the other side of things. I'm sorry you're going through all this turmoil. But look at the timing: it's happening at a time when you're strong enough to handle it.

Just remember, all your family's problems don't belong to you alone. You are not solely responsible for their happiness, nor should you be. Take time to drink deeply of the well of wisdom; allow your friends (and us!) to help you where they (we) can. We'll be here for you.

[providence1]

Thank you so much to all of you. Your empathy, kindness and wise words give me solace. I also have been told by my niece (his eldest daughter who I cherish) that even though I may have been the one struggling with mental issues, I've been the sanest in helping her sort through her range of emotions (from pity to resentment coupled with the guilt of not wishing to have much to do with him). That almost makes me thankful for the painstaking awareness we get through our pain...