[Three12161]

I'm new to this site but after I learn to navigate it would like to join in for support as a caregiver to my 22 year old daughter who is struggling with Bipolar disorder and BPD. I am experiencing burnout. Would welcome any advice and tools to give more effective care. I'm exhausted.

[BioAdoptMom3]

My name is Nancy and I am the mom of a 13 y/o DD with anxiety, depression and panic disorder. Yes, being a parent of a child with a mental illness is totally exhausting and it usually seems that no one understands! Even in church, before she was diagnosed and put on Prozac one woman asked me why our DD never smiled and and another one at another time said to me that people were talking about our child and referred to her as a spoiled brat! I have since told both of those women about our recent diagnosis but still it hurts when people respond that way! I know I am not going through the same exact struggles as you are, but I do understand your frustration and exhaustion in dealing with a mentally ill child. It is a constant worry. (((HUGS)))

Nancy

[armatthaei]

What ever you do, don't think you have to do this on your own. I hope that your daughter is in treatment. I know that can be hard to control as a parent when a child becomes of age. Don't be afraid to seek out help for yourself, such as counseling or group interactions, as you have reached out here.

[Leed]

Have you checked with your local Social Services Mental Health Depts. to see if there is any Respite care available? Perhaps they have some help available to you so you can at least run errands or even just TAKE A NAP! Many times they have people who will come in and watch the patient long enough so you can do whatevr it is you need to do, but even if you don't have to go anywhere, you can just REST. They'll let you take a whole afternoon's nap if you need to.

Check with them and see if there's something like that available -- or perhaps even thru Hospice. That isn't just for dying people. It's for chronically ill people too.

Best of luck and please keep us posted. God bless and take care. keep posting too. Hugs, Lee

[FishInABowl]

Originally Posted by Three12161

I'm new to this site but after I learn to navigate it would like to join in for support as a caregiver to my 22 year old daughter who is struggling with Bipolar disorder and BPD. I am experiencing burnout. Would welcome any advice and tools to give more effective care. I'm exhausted.

I have Borderline Personality Disorder and am 23. The most effective thing I have done for myself to help at least control the BPD flair ups during stressful times is yoga and meditation. I have been practicing yoga for a few years on and off and I never felt so together during the times i did it regularly. Meditation is still very difficult for me but very effective. Meditation can range anywhere from sitting quietly to walk in a very quiet and non stressful environment. I often take my dog to the baseball field in the morning.

The most IMPORTANT thing that my husband has done for me (my family aggravated by BPD) is purposely leaving me alone when I have a break down. We have had a system for a year now where if I am feeling upset enough and can't be calmed then I go to our room and cry/scream/etc. until I calm down. It usually takes 10-15 min. before my body gets exhausted and my mind is to tired to ruminate and have paranoid thoughts. By then my eyes are usually swollen but I ALWAYS feel calmer after and he is always proud of me for taking care of it on my own.
I have now gotten to the point where I start to notice the issues I never dealt with despite years of counseling because of letting myself deal with them. Sometimes I feel like I may go crazy and break, but afterwards I always see how much progress I've made with that one crying session. Anxiety is part of BPD and takes a long time to learn how you deal with it.

Anymore questions just message.

[tc2012]

Originally Posted by Three12161

I'm new to this site but after I learn to navigate it would like to join in for support as a caregiver to my 22 year old daughter who is struggling with Bipolar disorder and BPD. I am experiencing burnout. Would welcome any advice and tools to give more effective care. I'm exhausted.

Hi, I am not sure if I could be of any help to you, but I sure do know how you feel My son his 23. He has recently quit his job, broke up with his girl friend and moved back home.

This is hard. BP is really bad.

Good luck to you and me!

[maryjains fiance]

I'm here for my fiance who is also bipolar but has severe PTSD and social anxiety disorder. Maybe we can chat soimetime?