[Tweet1]

I am new here and desperately need support, wisdom, and guidance. I moved my mother in my home a little over a year ago. I knew this was a mistake but my husband insisted that "you only have one mom" and that we should take care of her. Mom is on disability for COPD, and has (since moving in last year) had major heart surgery and recently been diagnosed with diabetes. She pretty much requires 24-hour care. Problem is she and I have never gotten along. I left home at 14 and have been pretty distant from her since then (I'm 49 now). Mom is (and always has been) verbally, emotionally, and physically abusive to me and my 2 siblings.

Speaking of siblings...my 43 y/o sister is now living us (she was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia roughly 22 yrs ago) and is currently off meds and we are trying to get her some help with the local agencies, which has been a joke to say the least.

My sister's oldest daughter (20 y/o) is in and out of my home as well. She basically lives on the streets due to behavioral issues, learning disabilities, etc. (she has been dx with mild MR and other personality disorders).

Add to the mix the fact that my 33 y/o daughter has been hospitalized 3 times over the last 5 yrs for psychotic episodes resulting in her losing custody of my grandkids and other repercussions, and you pretty much see why I am desperate for support.

I work full time and come home to constant chaos, strife, and more dysfunction than most could imagine. I am a person of very stong faith, which is how I've managed thus far, but I'm battle weary. It's affecting my health, my ability to sleep, etc. I'm overwhelmed with being surrounded by so many loved ones who are so needy due to their illnesses, so much so that I've jokingly commented that it can't be true--that I must be the one with the illness and just don't realize it.

I'm sorry this is so long and I apologize if it appears that I'm whining. I truly don't mean to complain or whine about all that's going on, I just need help with coping and helping my loved ones without losing my mind in the process. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[harleys_wife]

I just joined this support group as well. I knew it was time to do something to help myself and get advice from others. I feel your pain. My 24 year old daughter has been in out of hospitals for the last two years for schizophrenia and bipolar. To top it all off, she has a 4 year old daughter and I am afraid child protective services is going to be involved soon. I am ready to step in and raise her if I can. I just hope it isn't too late. My whole family is worn out and no one knows what to do anymore.

[Bmee2]

Hello Tweet,
i am a 24/7 care taker of my mother who just turned 90yrs. She is diabetic and requires the use of a walker to get around the house, has hearing and vision problems too. i thought i was suffering from burn out, but sweety...please get some outside help for what is going on inside of your home. i thought i would recognize burn out but it is just now hitting me after five years of 24/7 care-taking of my mom. One day it was impossible to get out of bed. It is hard, but do not let that happen to you. Try to get as much outside help as you can and...make yourself take two hours to do something relaxing...go to the movies, take a nap...if possible, go some place away from home and cry...do something even if it is eat some ice cream or drink a sweeten hot drink at a book store/coffee kind of place once a week. i joined a clay class but found i was too weary for that these past few weeks. Hopefully the new year will allow me more energy. Sending strength, and needed relief in prayers to you.