How do I live with a mentally-ill parent?

I haven't had to live with a mentally ill parent, but I did grow up with both of my older sisters having mental illnesses. It's not easy to see them act the way they do. It's hard not to constantly be angry with them. It's okay to be angry sometimes or break doen sometimes, but you have to remember that the mental illness is not who they are. You have to remember they can't control it. If they are not already on medication, try to get another adult to suggest they see a doctor because it could help very much.

You support them, but don't forget to support yourself. Positive energy, thoughts, and actions can be very contagious.

That's a tough one. Remember to look after yourself because if you're not feeling great you won't be able to help them as much as you could. There should be lots of support available for you as well as online support such as mind.com - and remember you are not alone! You can message a listener at any time, we are always happy to talk to you!

What I do is I stopped blaming myself for how she acted out and I support her as much as possible. Don’t ever blame yourself for how they act. Focus on your studies or career and just make sure your parent is getting help. It’s hard not having a mentally-sane parent because it feels as if they aren’t there sometimes but they didn’t choose to be that way so support them and love them like you’d do any other parent.

Living with a mentally ill parent is so hard for anyone involved. Whatever reason there is mental health it should be approached with caution. if you say one wrong thing to someone is mentally ill they could take it so wrong. There is so much support out there for mental health. It's just about engaging with the right people.

i am so sorry to hear this. You are able to seek help yourself go to youre doctors and tell them your worries and they may seek for you to have help. In the uk if this is where you are from you can have respite care so you get a break from all of this, you can also go out with carers if you are young and go to clubs and things to have a break from home like and you can also get carers to come in and help your parent. I hope that you are able to find some answers soon. Keep positive and know there are others like you. Youre not alone and maybe google to see if you can speak to others in your position you can all help eachother then. I hope you keep positive use all that will power you have lovely x

That is always a tough question. It depends on how bad it is and what your other options are. The one constant is to always do your best to keep yourself safe until you can take care of yourself. Good luck!

Being a caregiver is a difficult task. I believe that every caregiver needs to make sure they stay healthy themselves. That means that you have to give care to your parent both physically and emotionally, and give care to yourself in both of those areas as well. So you need to find someone who can share that burden with you and give you the time you need for yourself to keep your own cup full so that you can fill your parent's cup. That is not an easy task. The responsibility to care for your parent is your's but you have to make sure you keep yourself strong enough to do that.

I understand you have trouble living with a mentally-ill parent. Please always consider that your mom/dad is going through a rough time mentally. Sometimes this can get better but other times it is permanent. Please, remain patient and always consider their feelings and emotions first because they can't process emotions the way a person without a mental illness can. Always be peaceful and positive!

It has been difficult for me to grow up with five immediate siblings and an unstable parent. I have had to come to terms with many things, but the most important thing to remember is that your parents' issues are not your fault. It's terribly important to be understanding and gracious, and to show as much patience as you can, but it's also critical to understand what you need. You deserve as much emotional attention as you need, especially if your parent or legal guardian has trouble emotionally or mentally. You deserve to be and feel loved.