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How do I live with a mentally-ill parent?

Profile: WrenSimon
WrenSimon on Apr 12, 2020
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First of all, understand that you are not a reflection of the ways your parent is unable to rightly care for you. Protect your energy and don’t take on the responsibility of the caretaker role. Practice setting healthy boundaries for yourself. Try to keep in mind that parents are human too and mental illness may make your parental love look confusing or differently from the love you see others receive from neurotypical parents. That’s frustrating. I get that and I’m sorry. Try to remember that sometimes people can’t give us what they wish they were able to or what we deserve. What are some positive aspects of your relationship with your parent?
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Profile: BeyondThis
BeyondThis on Apr 24, 2020
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Living with a mentally ill parent can be challenging, but it can be done. THe first thing to remember is this is not your fault, and it is also not your job to be their parent. Know that there are resources to help your parent and you don't have to go at it alone. Secondly, prioritize your mental health. If you aren't healthy how can you help someone who isn't take some time for yourself and take care. And lastly be patient mental illness is an illness and their behavior isn't their fault. Be patient and realize that much of what they say and do is out of their control
Profile: BeHereNow23
BeHereNow23 on May 1, 2020
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Being aware that a parent is already at a certain age, he or she has carried the burden of mental instability for a long time, whilst caring for a child, in most cases at the best of their abilities. Seeing them as humans, people who fail and fail until their lessons are learned, and sometimes being incapable of doing so, is something relatable to everyone, even healthy individuals. If you as the child have been wronged by their behavior, there can be certain kind of anger and blame towards the parent, but know that they were once young and they struggled up until this moment. Don't be affraid to take a step back, if you feel like you have taken on too much of their disease, and return if you feel like the situation is stable and safe for an open conversation if there is a need to. Parents have their life, and so do you, you have the last say in your life.
Profile: premedgirl
premedgirl on May 30, 2020
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Living with parents or guardians with a mental illness can be tremendously difficult. From my experience, this can often feel like you don't really get to be kid. You can also feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells or you may find yourself with more responsibilities than other kids. All of this can be very overwhelming. It is important for you to remember that your parent or guardian's mental illness is not your fault and that you are not responsible for their feelings. Remember to take time for yourself, hanging out with your friends and doing the things that you enjoy. It can also be very helpful to find support in other people, such as friends, teachers, school counselors, religious leaders, friends' parents, etc., confiding in them and sharing your burdens.
Profile: MohamedAljafari
MohamedAljafari on Jun 19, 2020
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It is a difficult question to answer - the types of mental illnesses, such as permanent disability, temporary disability, and diseases that accompany aging, and each of them, have different ways of dealing, and it is difficult to find a person who is good at dealing with them, but from my point of view, it is like dealing with a child that must be dealt with so. The best for the rest of the methods determined by the attending physician . It also differs from one culture to another and from one religion to another, and also from an effective way of dealing with it is the case study in detail .
Profile: Efini06
Efini06 on Jul 5, 2020
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Engaging in healthy relationships have an equal balance of power. Try to engage with people who make you feel safe and respected, who listen well and are emotionally available for your own well being. You can't look after them if your not in the right mindset yourself as it will make both of you feel worse. Support them as much as you can put don't be afraid to ask those with more experience for help when you need it most. Connecting with others, noticing and observing feelings without judgement—these are all techniques that can bring you back to the present moment of comfort and safety. I've found Emotional Freedom Techniques especially helpful for physical symptoms or fearful thoughts.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jul 31, 2020
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“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help,“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help“I promise to treat people seeking help with dignity and respect. I will respond promptly to people seeking my help
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 2, 2020
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The difficulty is based on ones ability to management. Can the individual leave? If so, for how long? While they're away what repercussions, if any are had. Distance, physically helps loads, ,more so when an individual is able to connect with healthy supportive individuals. That is, if a person is staying with a friend, is that friend a healthy influence? Or is it just a relocation of the same experience? Locating a parent figure who can offer support one wants to see in real life is key. This allows an individual to not only distance from harmful behavior and reinforcement, but allows them to learn or re-learn what a healthy parental figure.
Profile: Coffeelover25
Coffeelover25 on Aug 20, 2020
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I make sure to set boundaries with them, but also show them empathy when they are at their lowest points. I try to listen to what is making them feel the way they are feeling. I also try to recognize that I cannot always try to solve their problems, but instead get professional mental health workers involved when necessary. It can be mentally draining and hard on my mental health when I see my parent like that, so taking some time to process what happened can be good too! Remembering that things get better has really helped me. Also, remembering that my parent is not their mental disorder has really helped me!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 22, 2020
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1) Understand that being mentally unstable is not entirely their fault. 2) Stay away from home as much as possible by occupying yourself in school activities, events and clubs (scot/orchestra band/student union/etc), hobbies and classes (Basketball/Football/Gym/Drawing/Baking/Coffee brewing), going to libraries, parks, your friends' house or cafe to study, part-time jobs or volunteering (charity store/retailer/fast food receptionist/cleaning a park/Repairing bikes/etc) 3) Try to stop doing things that will trigger them when you are around them. 4) Just tell them briefly about yourself but not in detail. Don't talk to them about your problem as they may use it against you. 5) If your parents are abusive, perhaps check out local helplines
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