Mental illness and walking on eggshells

[Harriet Vane]

Folks, there is someone in my life with an undiagnosed mental illness. I have known to walk on eggshells with this person for years.

 

I didn't walk as carefully on those eggshells tonight as I should have, and the reaction has left me shaken and upset.

 

I could use a hug.

 

 

 

 

Edited to add:

 

Thanks everyone, for your kind words and hugs. It has truly been a comfort to my sore heart.

Edited November 24, 2011 by strider

[Dana]

:grouphug:

[mom4him]

Folks, there is someone in my life with an undiagnosed mental illness. I have known to walk on eggshells with this person for years.

 

I didn't walk as carefully on those eggshells tonight as I should have, and the reaction has left me shaken and upset.

 

I could use a hug.

 

:grouphug: This sounds like it really shook you up. I pray you are ok and that this person will be able to see he/she needs some help.:grouphug:

[*Lulu*]

:grouphug:

[Chelle in MO]

I am so sorry. A dear friend of mine is dealing w/this right now, too, and it just breaks my heart. :grouphug:

[AuntieM]

:grouphug:

 

It is hard hard hard to always stay on that tightrope.

[Harriet Vane]

:grouphug: This sounds like it really shook you up. I pray you are ok and that this person will be able to see he/she needs some help.:grouphug:

 

This person will never see the need for help. It's been literally decades. Unfortunately the repercussions of tonight may be quite far-reaching. Yes, I am badly shaken up.

[Rosie_0801]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[Ailaena]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[OLG]

:grouphug: and prayers for some peace. All things for a reason....

[sparrow]

This person will never see the need for help. It's been literally decades. Unfortunately the repercussions of tonight may be quite far-reaching. Yes, I am badly shaken up.

 

 

After at least 5 decades of needing help, the someone in my life got it. A lot of damage has been done, but there is still hope. :grouphug:

[Joanne]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Perry]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Carol in Cal.]

:grouphug:

 

:grouphug:

 

:grouphug:

[Pink Fairy]

You've got it, and prayers too. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: So sorry. The holidays are extra rough in these situations.

[Starr]

:grouphug: Hugs for you!

[Jean in Newcastle]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I'm sorry.

[QueenCat]

:grouphug: Strider:grouphug:,

I understand. Even with help, I often walk on egg shells with that someone in my life.

Cathie

[kalanamak]

This person will never see the need for help. It's been literally decades. Unfortunately the repercussions of tonight may be quite far-reaching. Yes, I am badly shaken up.

 

:grouphug:

[tex-mex]

Are you in a safe place from that person in the meantime? I'm sorry this happened to you. :grouphug:

[Unicorn.]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Harriet Vane]

Are you in a safe place from that person in the meantime? I'm sorry this happened to you. :grouphug:

 

There was no physical violence. Just a lot of other ugliness. Now that the lid is off that box I expect more. It always gets worse before it gets better.

[angel marie]

the holidays are the worst time for some of the mental illnesses and this can be quite stressful for sign. others too. try and find some ways to decompress from being "on guard." make a mental list of things that help you relax and treat yourself to some of them. sounds like you deserve it!!

 

relaxation techniques

guided imagery (great tapes can guide you)

massage

escape to a movie

exercise

yoga

get enough sleep and eat good food

(just to name a few)

 

:grouphug:

angel R.N.

[MamaT]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[aggieamy]

I've got someone in my family like that. It's just horrible. Lately we are dealing with a close family member being close to death and that's just making the unstable person even more unstable.

 

:grouphug::grouphug:

 

I am so sorry you are going through this. Try to get some sleep. Things always look a bit brighter and better in the morning.

[Aubrey]

:grouphug:

[Denise in IN]

:grouphug:

[gardenmom5]

:grouphug: are there any support groups in your area for family members of those struggling with mental illness?

[Myeightkiddies]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Twigs]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[amyable]

:grouphug::grouphug: I'm sorry. :grouphug::grouphug:

[Brigitte]

There was no physical violence. Just a lot of other ugliness. Now that the lid is off that box I expect more. It always gets worse before it gets better.

 

:grouphug: I know how you feel. I just recently told that person in my life I wouldn't take it anymore. I think it finally sunk in, he has agreed to seek counseling, but we will see. Prayers for some peace for you. :grouphug:

[amy g.]

I no longer allow contact with the person in my life that behaves that way, but just reading your post gave me memories that are practically physical in nature.

 

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. There really never seems to be a way to walk carefully enough does there?

[DawnM]

:grouphug:

 

I have a person in my life like that too. I stress every time I have to be near her.

[CalicoKat]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[FO4UR]

:grouphug:

[TravelingChris]

OH, I am so sorry.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:. It really is hard, isn't it.

[Alyeska]

:grouphug::grouphug:

 

I understand and am so sorry.

[Tigger]

:grouphug: I have someone like that in my life and it is truly difficult when they snap into a rage without any provocation (which is what I'm assuming happened) :grouphug:

[lllll]

:grouphug::grouphug:

[treestarfae]

Hugs! The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.

[Desert Rat]

Big, giant :grouphug: I have dealt with a mentally ill family member for years and years. She's very close to me and it was so difficult to keep those eggshells unbroken.

I am super lucky that she got "real" help and is now back to the person I have loved and missed. I am so thankful for that this year.

Mental illness is so hard to handle. She lost all of her friends. She would have lost us too, but we believe that family is family no matter what.

If you'd like to vent in private, please PM me.

[Impish]

:grouphug: I'm so sorry :grouphug:

[Harriet Vane]

Thanks everyone, for your kind words and hugs. It has truly been a comfort to my sore heart.

[happi duck]

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

[Plink]

:grouphug: It is hard to pretend like everything is okay when it is so very obviously not. :grouphug:

[Scarlett]

:grouphug:

[celticmom]

:grouphug:

[JVA]

This person will never see the need for help. It's been literally decades. Unfortunately the repercussions of tonight may be quite far-reaching. Yes, I am badly shaken up.

 

 

I'm so sorry for you......we've experienced this as well. The person in our extended family (or their enabling spouse and offspring) never sought help. We had the option of severely limiting our contact with them and only had to interact at funerals and weddings. I hope you have support from those closest to you and know that many have walked the same path.

[Harriet Vane]

I don't know the details. I did PM you. I'll admit I have distanced myself from a family member because I had to. I couldn't deal anymore. It's been the best for me. There is nothing I can do to change the person or the situation. I can only change what I do.

 

Yes, I did get some pms and have been trying to write my thoughts and questions, but really struggling with how to quantify a situation that is overwhelming and bewildering. Thanks for your patience.

 

I did, years ago, distance myself from the crazy people in my life. The distance was really, really good. I chose to re-engage specifically because there were children who needed/need me. My entire focus is on the children.