Completely overwhelmed

I'm overwhelmed and so anxious. Being disabled, my daily functioning is poor. My boyfriend (also disabled) also has bipolar 1 and is having a manic episode with psychosis.

He usually takes care of me, as he is higher functioning than I am. I'm trying to keep him out of IP. I wish he could sleep. His pdoc can't see him until the 25th.

I'm also taking care of my daughter and my dying stepdad. White knuckling it, here. I asked my ex if he could take care of our daughter for a few days. He hasn't texted me back yet, but he'll likely not help me out.

I have a T appointment tomorrow and I texted her that I need help in session tomorrow with controlling my anxiety. Having GAD, Social anxiety, Panic disorder, OCD and Complex PTSD exacerbates...my life. I also have strong agoraphobic tendencies. I go to T and pdoc. Otherwise, I am a hermit.

I am so sorry you're having such a tough time. You sound like you've really got your hands full. I hope your SO starts feeling better without going IP. I also hope you get some relief from your therapist. Thinking of you.

Seems like a long wait for your boyfriend to see the doctor.

I hope your ex agrees to help out.

Glad you see your T tomorrow.

You have a lot to deal with.
I hope things settle down soon.


WC

Yes, I hope your therapy appointment is helpful. You have a lot going on.

Sounds like a lot on your plate.
I hope seeing your T will help some with the anxiety.
Hang in there. Thinking of you.

Being a hermit with anxiety is tough, because you have a lot of time to worry and ruminate over things. Are you on an anti-anxiety med? Are there any activities you can distract yourself with? I'm not motivated to do much to distract myself, but watching my favorite TV shows helps distract for a little while. Making sure to spend time every few weeks with friends helps temporarily, too.

He left my house for his, against my advice. He's off meds, not sleeping, psychotic and thinks I broke up with him. I didn't but he doesn't believe me. I can't leave my dying stepdad to go on a wild goose chase.

I am seeing T tomorrow as I couldn't make it Wednesday.

Part of me wants to turn off my phone to decompress but what if my bf needs me? The only person that could marginally help is his father. He's out of town.

This kind of stress is what leads to my episodes. I'm already depressed, this sucks.

Yes, Klonopin and Lexapro. Thanks for your suggestions. I'm not a tv watcher but these forums and my therapy workbooks are helpful.

((((((((((Glamslam))))))))))

Thank you. I texted T the circumstances and she texted me right back. She said things will be OK.

(((((Glamslam)))))

That's an awful lot to deal with. Hopefully you'll get some help.

You have a lot on your plate. I hope you feel some relief soon

How are you doing, glamslam? That's a lot going on.

Dear gladslam, It sounds like you are taking too much responsibility on YOURSELF. One thing I've learned -- and it sounds selfish, but it isn't -- is that "I have to take care of myself first." Why is that? Because, if we don't take care of ourselves, we will not be strong enough to take care of anyone else. It's like we know about if we see someone drowning: if one is not a trained lifeguard, and jumps in to try to "save" the drowning person, you will both drown. Besides, life guards are trained NOT to dive into the water, except as a last resort, when everything else they have been trained to do, has not worked. Such as throwing a life line, a life preserver ring, or whatever else they know.

One way that MIGHT help EVERYONE CONCERNED is if your b/f could somehow get into IP. But you'd need to see about this -- in the state where I live (maybe yours, too?) the only way a person can get admitted to IP is if they are a "danger to themself or others." Is he in any danger to himself or others?

Are their public services in your area that can help out? There are a lot of them in the city where I live. Do you have a caseworker? Ask your T to get you a caseworker ASAP and then ask the caseworker to come to your home. There is a printed directory of agencies, etc, in my city, that will help people find what they need. Ask your T for such a list if there is one. Ours is by category, such as "Housing," "Medical," "Mental Health," etc etc

Thank you, everyone, for your kind replied and suggestions. I really appreciate the support.

Good news! My partner is taking his meds, he's no longer paranoid and he is SLEEPING right now. We talked and he will voluntarily go IP if needed. I think if things keep going in the direction they are...it will be smooth sailing. I have gotten his father involved. They aren't close but they are texting daily...so his dad is checking on him, too.

My stepdad is doing poorly. He can still walk and do self-care. He sleeps so much now and feels bad. His funeral service is planned. I love him dearly. I will be grieving for years. His brothers are coming Monday so I can have a "break," as my stepdad calls it. I'll go stay with my partner at his house. I'm very comfortable there. It's my safe space. I'm living in my childhood home. So many bad memories here.

I'll be OK.

i am glad things seem to be going a bit better.