Welcome to the Friends, Family and Carers Forum! Introduce yourself here 🙂

[Carla13]

Thank you so much for saying that. I really needed that support today. I am really struggling and feel like a failure as a parent. Although I know i have tried services such as counselling with numerous counsellors, she is currently on medication which is quite strong, she has been with CAHMS for years and youth services but they are not willing to work with her anymore as she is so negative. 

[tyme]

I 100% agree with what @RiverSeal has said. Unless someone is willing to help themselves, there's little a service can do. They can have the best services and resources, but recovery is not a one-sided thing. That includes medication. 

I'm also speaking from experience. I was one who didn't work with services. Hence I was 'let go'. Only then, when I struggled and struggle then I realised it's time I stepped up. Services saw that and embraced it. At a time when I was ready, recovery happened. And that didn't occur until I was in my early 30s. I struggled for 15 years before I was ready at last. 

Do I regret it? No, not really. Because it's made me the person I am today.

The most important part of this now is that YOU look after yourself first. Set your boundaries. Be consistent with them, and make sure you practice self-care.

When I was unwell, I left my parents and family. I pretty much cut them out of my life. I can inly imagine how hurt they were. But this is what I needed to recover. When I was ready, I re-connected with them and the bond is far greater. If they sunk into despair because I left, they wouldn't have been there for when I was ready.

Just hang in there @Carla13 . I'm not promising an easy journey, but I'm promising it's one worth while.

[Carla13]

 Thank you all for your compassion, understanding and advice. This was exactly what I needed to hear. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all again. I am so glad I found this caring community.

[Mart1]

Hi I’m an ex carer. I cared for my elderly father during his final years. I found it to be exhausting but I don’t regret making a sacrifice 

[Mart1]

You sound like a wonderful person

[tyme]

Hi there @Mart1 ,

Thank you for sharing. Your post was very uplifting. As exhausting as it was, I'm glad you can say you don't regret it. No one can take away the memories or time you had with your father. 

However, I also recognise the change it would have been to be a carer and then have time on your hands after the passing of your father. How do you spend the time now (if you don't mind me asking)? No pressure to answer if you don't feel up to it.

Hope to see you around 🙂

[tyme]

Hi @Carla13 , How are you travelling? How's your dear one?

[Synthman]

Hi there, husband to someone who is suffering with anxiety and psychosis. I'm very new to dealing with this even though this is the second severe episode. Happy to hear how to deal with it and what to say and not to say.