How do I live with a mentally-ill parent?

It can be difficult and stressful to live with a mentally ill parent. Unfortunately, sometimes having the normal parent-child relationship is not possible if a parent is mentally ill. A very important step is to practice self-care like learning stress management techniques and making sure you have a strong support system. Having others they you can count on is crucial. Please try to educate yourself, as much as possible, about your parents’ condition. Knowing what they are going through will help give you perspective and tools on how to best help them. Do not be afraid to ask for help for your own needs. Please consider seeking out a therapist or support group for yourself to help you cope and process.

I do not know if I would call him mentally-ill but you could say that. My mother says that he is mentally depressed and is communicating the same to us, unaware of it. As a child, I was beaten for small things like doing a math sum wrong or stuff like that. But, I guess as I am getting older, it is getting better. He lashes out sometimes but not very often now. I have so many pages of my journal filled with episodes when I was feeling mad at him and have just cursed him through out my writings. The reason of his mental disturbance is actually his father who was more or less the same in behavior. I think a psychologist or a counselor should be appointed in offices too (just as schools) because adults have more problem in coping with their emotions and often vent them out in a wrong or inappropriate manner.

It's difficult but the trick is understanding their limitations and creating appropriate boundaries. That means pulling back when it becomes too much for you and communicating your love for them despite this. Accept your frustrations even if you can't communicate them. Care for them when you can and build up a support system with family and close friends where you get the care they can't give. It helps to know what they are struggling with; if they have a diagnosis, study it and look to forums and groups for people that deal with it to get a more personal opinion on it. Remember that you are not alone.

It can be really difficult to help support a parent who is going through a tough time or has a mental illness. As their child, you have a unique opportunity to support your parent(s) by showing how much you care for them. Helping out around the house is a good way to do this. However, it is important not to get too worried about trying to 'cure' their illness; that is the job of a professional. Your primary focus should be to maintain your health and happiness, and know when you should seek outside help for yourself or for others (including the parent in question).

Living with a mentally ill parent can be sheer hell. The same applies to husband and wives, or the siblings. Mental illness reaches out and touches many. There are a few people who can stay regulated, if they commit to taking their meds as prescribed, and not stop when they begin to “feel better.” Family or a friend utilized for a support system will definitely help them stay on course, IF they open up and talk about their fears, or not feeling up to par.,~ when they notice that something is not right . It is quite difficult but possible. I wish you luck :)

First; what kind of illness is this? If you could research it, could you place your own mental position in a more befitting place? This could possibly add more value to you as the child in this situation. How long have you been asking this one question? If it's been more than a few months; can you gain access to the parents words on certain things that make your life difficult to a point in which, that you need their own statements towards your relationship? Also, is there anything that you yourself could change other than self harm to help in a peaceful way? I believe you and I have a great purpose; but, can we remind ourselves what that purpose is when it pertains to child to parent situations?

This is a perfect question for me because my mom suffered from paranoid schizophrenia my entire life. Honestly, it took me until I was over 18 to find the right way to live with her. My entire life I resented her for not being like all the other moms, I was constantly embarrassed and hated her. What I really recommend, is therapy because its not something anyone can really live with without another form of guidance, because you're missing a mom and your dad is dealing with the stress of a mental illness of a spouse. In therapy I learned what its like from her point of view (which was the opposite of what I thought) and skills to be patient and that I myself am not crazy.

This is very difficult to answer, and I guess it depends on a type of a mental illness that a parent has. Of course, this kind of a situation can often make a person feel stuck and hopeless, as living with a mentally ill parent is sometimes challenging. However, aside from remembering that they are suffering in their mental illness and thus providing them with proper love, care, and compassion, we also have to be able to take care of ourselves and to not forget that our time dedicated to us, hobbies, self care, priorities etc is just as important.❤️

Living with a mentally ill Parent is a serious issue and challenge. It is one that you can not take on alone for your own safety and mental health. You are not to blame for your parents mental health issues and you alone can not fix or address them. You can be supportive but you can not be the only one helping your parent. You can also find a trusting person that you can talk with and tell them about your concerns and what is going on in your home. I suggest speaking with a teacher , coach, doctor or other medical professional. You have to care for yourself and not blame yourself

Its a big challenge. There are levels of mental illness and you have to be with that person all the time. If it is hard to maintain your work-life balance, you will have to take hard decision to admit that person to mental institute. Mental illness of parents is one of the greatest challenges for any family member. It is possible to even deal with physical illness but mental illness of parents is very difficult to deal with. It usually becomes a 24/7 monitoring job. You will need the skill to persuade and also the skill to dominate an arguement with you parents.