[strugglingpgh]

My summer went well but things have already started to spin out of control with the holidays coming. I am bipolar 2. I would like to have a nice holiday with me and my one sister who lives with me and is also disabled. However my problem is a 3rd sister who lives nearby. Her husband is in VA hospital with various ailments and often puts her down, ridicules her and tells her he wants divorce. She is only one to help him and she does great job. However, I think when she feels unable to help him she begins to take it out on me and my sister. Trying to control are spending, paying bills even though I try to stop her. Making us feel beholden to her. When I talk to her she will often start yelling at me and eventually hang up on me. This really gets my anxiety going. I have 2 other sisters and 1 brother out of state who do not want to be bothered by her. What can I do to relax before and after talking to her. Breathing exercises do not work. Nor does the going to a secret place or mindset. Any suggestions?

[Northchild]

Welcome back. I'm new here... nice to meet you. I don't have any advice for you... I'm separated, an only child, and my parents died a decade and a half ago, but I'm sure that lots of people have some good ideas about the best way to help people close to you.

[Sunflower123]

Welcome back. You could make a list of statements to say to yourself before (if you can), during and after you talk to her to keep yourself calm (kind of like mantras but statements). There is also an app called Calm which has a bunch of short meditations which are helpful. You could also try to limit exposure to her or set up boundaries with her. Good luck and best wishes. (((((Hugs)))))

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Northchild

Welcome back. I'm new here... nice to meet you. I don't have any advice for you... I'm separated, an only child, and my parents died a decade and a half ago, but I'm sure that lots of people have some good ideas about the best way to help people close to you.

Welcome to PC.