Living & Dealing With a Bipolar Mother
83Important Note
Recommended for people 18+ due to graphic & traumatic content!
It was Australia day, 1989. I was 2 and a half years old. My father came home from work to find police cars surrounding the small cottage where we lived, my mother in a police car and myself being taken away in an ambulance.
I can still vaguely remember my mother sterilizing the knife in boiling water, then lying me on the sheepskin rug, me putting my hands up to stop the falling knife. My mother slit my throat from ear to ear and held me for 40 minutes as I bled. Finally she came out of her manic state enough to phone an ambulance.
My mother had her first psychotic episode in her late twenties. She was the oldest of seven children and had a history of mental illness and bipolar disorder in her family. This episode was going to start a long and complicated saga in our lives.
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Of course my mother was rushed into a mental hospital and I was to spend 3 months in a hospital and live with a tracheostomy in my throat for 11 years. After a year my mother was discharged from hospital and came home to live with us. She was originally diagnosed with Schizophrenia and it would be years before she was re-diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Of course she wasn't allowed to be alone with me at first, so by the time I was 6, we had built a house with a granny flat so we could live with my father's parents.
As a young child I didn't have much of an idea about what had happened - I remembered it and knew my mother took medication, but never really grasped what it meant. That was why it was such a shock when my mother had her second breakdown when I was 8 years old.
This time my mother didn't hurt me, but during our morning prayers and bible reading, she started talking about seeing an angel and tried to help me see the vision she claimed to see. Of course I still looked up to my parents and believed they knew more than me - so I tried my best to go along with what she was saying, despite my confusion. After a little while however, she began to scare me. I finally managed to ring my father who was working five hours away. He immediately realized what was happening and instructed me to go straight to my grandparents. My father drove straight home but by the time he got there, my mother appeared fine. It wasn't till years later that we realized this episode had begun her downward spiral.
Till the beginning of year 8, I had been homeschooled by my mother. By the time I got to year 6 and 7, she basically left it up to me, just handing me books and then returning to such occupations as the phone and spending money. My mother never held down a job during this time - except for a 3 month part time job at a nursery.
I've seen her more than once control a manic episode, easily fooling a doctor or someone she wants to impress before letting her bipolar disorder loose once she is in 'comfortable' surroundings.
By the time I was 13 I knew there was something wrong with my mother but was still too young and scared to figure out what it was. When I tried to tell people they labelled me as rebellious or told me that I was rude. My father was running his own business so often didn't see or hear all that my mother did.
When I was 13, we travelled to the other side of the country for my youngest uncle's wedding. I found out later that my mother had been talking to relatives while there about my father's 'abuse' of her. Within a week of returning home my mother told me to pack my bags so we could stay at a nearby family friend's house. Upon arrival I found another uncle (who I also believe has mental problems) that had driven a long way just to pick us up. I was upset and surprised when told that we'd be travelling back across the country. The adults kept telling me that my father was "volatile" and "like a volcano". No one asked me what I thought.
After a long drive - full of verbal abuse about my father - and then a plane ride, we were finally at my Nana's place. Of course my mother told stories of my abusive father and spent hours buying things, meeting new people and telling all sorts of lies. I tried to interject but my mother simply explained that I hadn't realized the full extent of my father's abuse.
At this point I will say that my father wasn't completely innocent - he'd been running his own business and often came home late, tired and stressed. However my mother would often bait him and arguments erupted about things such as money, wearing pants (she believed that they were biblically considered cross dressing) or the fact that she'd spend all day out and then run home to do a quick clean (leaving my grandmother to sneak in and clean up after her). I think my father may have hit my mother once or twice but never hard - usually he'd break a plate or glass when she pushed him too hard. I remember her throwing things at him and shouting verbal abuse at him.
We spent more than a month at my Nana's house, my father frantic with worry. I was allowed to write to him but never to reveal where we were. During this time my mother was socialising all day every day and had at least one affair. Finally my Nana started to get worried and called my father. Once my father arrived I went to pieces - so glad that someone else realized how sick my mother was and that it wasn't all just in my head.
My father left a voice message on the phone and my mother must have heard it - she disappeared that evening wearing nothing but a tiny dress that barely covered her undies. The family spent hours looking for her and finally the police found her, taking a taxi to one of her various boyfriend's houses. She yelled and screamed, claiming the right to be taken to the address she'd asked for in the taxi and threatening to sue the police and everyone else in sight.
My mother spent several weeks in hospital there and then we finally returned home. Before this episode, our house had almost been fully paid for - only $1000 left on the home loan. By the time we got home, between plane tickets, living costs and lost work time, we were $50,000 in debt. My father had had enough - within a few months I was enrolled for the first time in school and by the school holidays my parents announced their split. I was overjoyed.
Between then and now I've had various run ins with my mother - each time reinforcing the fact that she doesn't deserve my help or a relationship with me, since she isn't willing to get better or even take medication. At time of writing I haven't talked to her in nearly two years.
I have nothing against mentally ill people - I've suffered from depression myself - I do have something against people like my mother who cost both the public health system, friends, relatives and even helpful strangers thousands of dollars and invested emotions without a thank you or a sorry.
I still haven't reached a resolution - in fact I'm sure that as long as she lives my mother will always be somewhere in the background, ready to cause more trouble for me. But I can't hang around and wait for her to cause trouble or decide that she wants to get healthy again. There comes a point when it's no longer my responsibility as a child to care for a parent who won't help themselves. And I know she can - I've seen her more than once control a manic episode, easily fooling a doctor or someone she wants to impress before letting her bipolar disorder loose once she is in 'comfortable' surroundings.
Like a drug addict, my mother enjoys the rush, the lightning speed of her brain when she has a manic episode. If I don't like her I have learnt the hard way to warily respect her - during a high she can remember things no one else can, win any argument and convince anyone of anything.
I may not have come to terms with everything - but for now I just need to get on with my life - my work, family, university and hopefully one day, a book. To anyone out there who has stood years of abuse at the hands of a parent, sibling, child or lover, that's all I can say. There comes a point when you need to move on with your life, no matter how selfish you feel doing it.
Notes: I'm currently working on writing a book about my mother and my life with her.
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What about dating someone who enables a bipolar daughter who won't take her meds. When he asked her to she threw her cell phone across the room and broke it. she is violent. He is wonderful but he enables her. I think he both loves and is afraid of her.
He is serious about me but he seems tied to her 24 - 7. I am afraid of her too. She is also demanding.
Hi Wrylilt,
Thanks for sharing. Her mental state isn't your responsibility. It is your mom's. I understand how she has much difficulty dealing with being bi-polar. I have bi-polar 2 myself. It is a long and hard road with no end in sight sometimes. But then I do think it is unfair to compromise other family member's happiness for the sake of my mental stability. Especially since you are prone to depression yourself and her mental state is obviously very dangerous to people around her. Please do what you can to create a environment where you can feel loved and grow beautifully. I am sure she wants to see you do well deep in her heart. Her situation is best left in the care of mental health professionals in a full time mental care facility. This is to prevent her from harming herself and others. YOU MUST MOVE ON or it will mean a vicious cycle and more people affected. Set your boundaries with her and stick to them. Good luck....and look forward to the book.
Mz..T
There is no rhyme or reason why a severely sick bipolar person chooses a person to fixate their hate on. In my mother's case it was always the nearest people.
It is not your fault and you can never live your own life or help your children unless you get out - you know it's never going to change. You need to realise that it's not your fault and not your guilt to bear.
I am now 30 years old. My mom was diagnosed bipolar right after my brother was born, he is now 18. She stayed in mental hospitals. I raised my brothers at the age of 12. I became pregnant at 16 and my mom almost made me lose my daughter several times. She made me walk 5 blocks to an aunts house because she kicked me out of a moving car and i was 8 months pregnant on bed rest. i forgave her. When my daughter was 4 months old she tried slitting her wrist and threw furniture. At 19 i had to bail her out of jail for disruptn my dad at work because she caught him cheating. She was high when i got her putting our lives in danger by trying to jump from a moving car. There has.been hostilty towards me my whole life.She blames me for all and i dont know why when i am always there for her. I live with her currently with my 13 and 3 year old. She recently punched and.beat me and kicked me out even though i do all house work and cooking. my question is why does she pick me to be angrybtowards. she is 46 and had me at 16, she married my dad. i have depression but i dont want to be like her and my siblings are like her. mean, violent and all. please help
Dear Wrylilt,
What a strong person you are! And how sad it is when people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, don't see the importance of getting treated for it as soon as possible.
Being Bipolar myself I have to admit it can take quite some time to accept the illness, find the right treatment and get lucky with the right medication.
I'm living a very stable life for years now and decided for sterilization at the age of 30. I had been through such damaging episodes, that I didn't dare to have children and have them exposed to future episodes and trauma's because of it.
As a Bipolar woman I agree very much that it's once own responsibility, to get yourself treated and make your life and the life of those who love you, a healthy and stable one.
I had to link your Hub to mine: Thank God, I don't have children! The more people who read your story the better.
You are an amazing person for having had the power to write down such a heartbreaking story. Your life.
Be well. Blessings!
Hi LAJ.
Hope everything works out for you. It certainly took a lot to make me reach that point.
"There comes a point when you need to move on with your life, no matter how selfish you feel doing it."
I am 18 and my mum has bipolar, I feel I can relate a lot to that quote! Sometimes I feel that I need to get out of this house because I need to keep my sanity. Although I have nowhere to go, because although my mum and dad are divorced, my dad would never let me live with him. I feel that if I did move away that she would just be all alone, and as much as I hate my mums personality, she is still my mum. I just hope one day I can be strong enough to have less contact.
Although my mum has never lashed out to me whilst having bipolar, I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. My mum can never keep down a job and spends most of her time talking to her sisters on the phone. Bitching about my brothers and sister, saying we don't contribute which is a lie! Her bipolar means that she isn't the most hygenic and I am usually the one who is tidying up, cooking and clealing. My mum has also bad mouthed my dad to us, making us believe he isn't a good dad, although he probably isn't. I would really like to know how to live with someone who has bipolar and I am greatful I can relate to other people's stories. Thanks! And i feel i have ranted on here ha ha
On behalf of all bipolars, thank you for sharing this moving account of what little child hood you had. And I am touched and moved by the countless stories that evolve in not only your Hub, but in all I have seen in other and mine as well. It really makes you wonder if we will ever get the better of this "Epidemic"
You are indeed a strong person, and I loved this Hub, as sad as the story is. Voting across the board, thumbs up.
Akeejaho
dude im also a 13 year old bipolar kid.I dont really know what to do when a bipolar manic happens.I just feel like i should stop,but my body and my surrondings are keeping me away from controling myself.Is not cool at all cause during that period people will think your "annoying"or disrespectful".And I feel uncormftable cause i really dont want people thinking im a "maniac"or whatever. thanks for that passege it really help me a lot!
My goodness, you are a survivor! I am so sorry for your suffering, but am glad you reached a point of moving on and being able to talk/write about your experiences. My mother also has this disorder, but she has accepted help so it's a totally different scenario. Thank you for sharing with us.
I have a mother who is bipolar but has never come to terms that she is. She would get angry at pretty much anything, and become verbally/physically abusive. I don't really say anything back to my mom during her "episodes". One time I did, it was only one word, the b word. She got a belt and two brown melon sized bruises formed on both my thighs it hurt so bad I couldn't sit down, I wouldn't normally do that I guess I snapped, I don't want to be like my mom... The other time I called her crazy because when she get's drunk she goes outside and sleeps on the ground, I've helped her get to her room only to go outside again I feel bad for she cries when she's drunk and I don't really know what to do...I feel like the parent dealing with a adolescent...... I guess I'm over most of the things though, like you now,I don't even argue with my mom I just tell her ok, and not get angry, and stay in my room all day. She say's I don't care about her, I feel bad for her but I can't do anything to "help her" I think she needs professional help. I see her only for breakfast/lunch/dinner, I think she has caught on. I don't hate her I just feel like not being around her she's can get the most patient person aggravated. Then other times she's really nice, and I believe it and get close, I've learned not to do that anymore it seems she wants someone to blame, and let out her anger on... I don't want to follow in her footsteps just thinking about it gets me angry, of course I have never told her how I felt she'll have a fit and no matter what I say, she'll never change. I love my mom but why beat a dead horse? I'll always be there for her but I give up on trying to help her, only she can change herself.
I have a mother who is bipolar but has never come to terms that she is. She would get angry at pretty much anything, and become verbally/physically abusive. I don't really say anything back to my mom during her "episodes". One time I did, it was only one word, bitch. She got a belt and two brown melon sized bruises formed on both my thighs it hurt so bad I couldn't sit down, I wouldn't normally do that I guess I snapped, I don't want to be like my mom... The other time I called her crazy because when she get's drunk she goes outside and sleeps on the ground, I've helped her get to her room only to go outside again I feel bad for she cries when she's drunk and I don't really know what to do...I feel like the parent dealing with a adolescent...... I guess I'm over most of the things though, like you now,I don't even argue with my mom I just tell her ok, and not get angry, and stay in my room all day. She say's I don't care about her, I feel bad for her but I can't do anything to "help her" I think she needs professional help. I see her only for breakfast/lunch/dinner, I think she has caught on. I don't hate her I just feel like not being around her she's can get the most patient person aggravated. Then other times she's really nice, and I believe it and get close, I've learned not to do that anymore it seems she wants someone to blame, and let out her anger on... I don't want to follow in her footsteps just thinking about it gets me angry, of course I have never told her how I felt she'll have a fit and no matter what I say, she'll never change. I love my mom but why beat a dead horse? I'll always be there for her but I give up on trying to help her, only she can change herself.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have a 13 year old boy who lives with his bipolar mother and grandmother. I have been fighting a legal battle for more than 2 years now to claim the custody of my son. Not easy, probably will take another 2 years. She does not let me see him, I use legal procedures every weekend to see my son. I spend more than 50,000$ a year, all legal fees, expenses, etc. I will not give up, I will not abandon my son to these sick women...
If you want to contact me, you can do so by clicking on WryLilt on the comments or at the top right of the page. There is a contact button on my profile page. =)
no, thank you for your story. I couldn't sleep last night thinking of your story. There are so many similarities I am also female my father also ran a successful business(he was no saint but she goaded him into arguments,throwing plates, physical fights) which was ran into the ground resulting in our house being reposessed. She has barely worked her whole life. It saddens me that someone else has had to endure what I have. Last night when I commeneted I never realised I had had the validation I was looking for not to go today. Maybe if when I googled "living with a bipolar mother" a story as similar with a girl close age hadn't come up I'd have gone. The last line of ur story haunted me and I will not be going today no matter ho upset,lonely or angry she becomes because I owe it to myself. Thank you x
Thanks for the comment, British.
I think with me it was just reaching the stage where I just couldn't take anymore, for my own life and sanity. You may one day reach that stage to. But whatever happens, good luck and stay safe.
my mother has had bipolar for more than half my life and for my little sister full life. Although I love her the constant selfishness becomes alomst unbearable leaving me with a constant battle inside feeling immense guilt or anger towards her. I do not live with her she moved to be with her boyfriend however i visit every friday she phoned me tonight explaining how people have stole from her, how everybodys in the wrong and how she has fell out with her boyfriend and that all too familiar tingling feeling entered my gut. In her manic states she has attacked me and threatened to kill me. I do not want to go tomorrow i googled this looking for validation and a reason not to go...but we all know i will go and i will probably end up regretting it. If i dont i will fell guilty the whole night. What im trying to say is...I understand the immense guilt and hopefully one day will get over it like u seem to have xx
Hope everything works out, CSH!
I would just like to say thank you to all the people who have commented on this page as it has been a great insight. I also have a mother who has bi polar and I am 11 years old. I have just made the choice to leave her and move in with my dad full time. Thank you it has opened my eyes. I now have a better insight on how to deal with my mother.
Hi Brian,
Based on my experience, if a bipolar person is unwilling to get help, then they've made their decision - the illness is more important than their family and other commitments.
If I were you, I'd get full custody - growing up in an environment like your daughter will have to, even part time, can be quite traumatic, especially at a young age.
Just remember - bipolar people are very good manipulators and liars. So make sure you have enough witnesses/medical proof/affidavits/legal help to make sure you win the custody. If you don't she may take it out on your daughter or you. Bipolar people also seem to like holding grudges.
Of course, if your wife wants to take medication and seek treatment, then tell her you'll be happy to share custody. All girls need a mum - I just wish mine had decided I was more important than my illness.
Good luck.
My wife is bipolar, and we are separating as she is currently living in a basement with a man she just met. We have a 2 year 4 month old girl. I am torn about whether to go along with joint custody or seek sole custody. She misses doctors appointments (expensive!)doesn't take her prescribed medication, lost her job, crashed her car (she did a hit and run), and refuses to let me see the new living space that she wants to bring our daughter into. Perhaps your perspective could help me decide what's best for my daughter?
Thank you.
Its never selfish to protect yourself from a toxic parent, so don't beat yourself up over it. She may be mentally ill but she also made the choice to not treat the illness.
You should not feel selfish at all! It is the parents responsibility to nurture the child, and whether she could help it or not, your mother failed at this. Bravo! for your courage to move on and create a meaningful life. My mother was mentally ill, too. But I was fortunate that she was sometimes nurturing as well. Then, I worked for a bi-polar employer, who was accused of hiring a hit man to kill his wife!
Anyway, best wishes for a rich and satisfying life! You deserve it.
Some of this reminds me of my own mother, the last part made me cry -There comes a point when you need to move on with your life, no matter how selfish you feel doing it.- I have been trying to cope with this idea for awhile now.
Your story brought tears to my eyes. You are so brave for sharing your experience. It's hard because we love our parents unconditionally and it's confusing as a child when your parent hurts you physically and emotionally. I don't believe your mom should have ever been allowed near you alone after what she had done. Especially unmedicated. Mental illness runs in my family. It's frustrating because most people who have a serious mental illness won't take meds or seek help. They are convinced everyone else has a problem but not them.
I'm glad your dad finally had the courage to leave her. I truly hope your mom gets the help she needs.
Stay strong!
Wow this had my on the edge of my seat and i was shocked by what you went through that's horrid. I think my mum had bipolar as i have been diagnosed with it but i not as bad any more as im now on med's but my mother never cared how we got treated she use to beat us especially when she was drunk. I would never hurt my kid's they are my world they keep me going and im the opposite to my mum and would never treat my kids badly. Im glad your moving on but your right sometimes you need to move on which i have done and i do not have any contact with my mother as when i do all i get is grief off her and im sick of it. Thanks for sharing this. =) x
This is one of the best hub i have read here. Wrylit i am happy that you have over come all that you were going through. Regarding your mother she was suffering from the disease so even she cannot be blamed. But i appreciate the way you have written this hub and taking inspiration from you i now wish to write more on this topic so that people can understand this disorder better. You have gone through so much, and i wish you a happy life ahead.
thanks so much for sharing your story WryLit. In your profile pic, you look so innocent and childlike, that it's hard to imagine that you experienced those horrors. God bless you.
God bless and keep you. You had a trip to hell as a child and God did deliver you. Your mother is sick and will probably never get well. A good thing to do is to keep your distance from her, you deserve to be happy and from she has done in the past, you can't help her. It is time you found some happy time in your life. Write a book there are a lot of people who could benefit from your past.
Hi Diva, the original incident happened before mum was diagnosed. And it's my life story, not my attempt to give 'a bad rep'. I strongly believe that anyone who has bipolar and does not take steps to have it treated or follow the guidelines set by their doctor should not have the same rights as someone who is proactive about their illness.
I am Bipolar mom and you know that is a misdiagnosis on your mother's doctor's part. Stories like yours well make other children that have bipolar disorder parents scared. You give our diagnosis a bad rep.
A truly amazing journey that brought you much pain but also true wisdom. You have written a beautiful description of what the horrors of your daily life were during this period. I fully agree with you that it is time to move on and and am thrilled that you have. Don't feel guilty for even one moment. I have lived with a mentally ill mother, a schizophrenic sister and a bi-polar brother but have never experienced what you have gone through. You are an amazing person and I wish you every happiness. Your positive spirit shows through in your writing. ( I follow you in the forums!)
Sadly, I understand this and do also feel that the medical system helps create some of the problems. With one professional admitting that they dont treat the illness, but contain the patients until the crisis is over and they can send them home.
Wow. Thank you for sharing your experiences—truly amazing. Please do keep me updated about the progress of your book, as I would like to read it.
You have done it tough but from what I have seen you have survived with a talent for writing. Sometimes there is nothing anyone can say but thank to whatever spirits or gods out there for helping you through this.
It takes much courage to tell our stories. I found this posting when I was reviewing my blog. I have found that I still have lingering issues that I am dealing with as a result of my mother' bipolar illness and overall abandonment. I am not only passionate to help others break free from the emotional prision of the affects of mental illness, but to finally release the pain I was not even aware still existed. It is a daily choice.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I think it is so sad that human beings would place a person who attempts to murder a child back in the same home with the child. That is like placing a child rapist back in the home with the two year-old child he raped and telling the family that the child is safe now because the rapist is on medication --that the family would accept that is beyond me.
I bet if you penetrated your subconscious mind, you would find that the little one inside of you, who was terrorized by her mother with a knife, has a lot to say about being left alone with that woman. The unconscious mind is very powerful and very real. Depression is caused by repressed anger. The mind has the ability to alter chemicals and hormones in the brain and in our body. This has been proven scientifically. So when doctors diagnose people with "depression" and hand out little pills to "treat it" they are doing great harm to people. Anyway, I wish you well on your journey in life.
Thank you very much for the comment, Alethea. I don't hold any grudges against my family or father because they had very little experience with mental illness at that stage. They believed the doctors when told that medication would fix my mother and everything would be fine. However as noted in the article, we did live with my grandparents who also provided an extra watch.
WryLilt,
I am continually amazed at the strength of the human spirit. Your courage and willingness to tell your story and to LIVE is truly remarkable and inspiring. I am blown away that -even in the late eighties- authorities would place your mother back in the home with the child victim she tried to murder and would allow you to be with her alone and would allow her to take you away to live elsewhere with her. Your story is compelling, but the side stories are also worth more than a few words.
The first 'side-story'is what I mentioned above. The second side-story I speak of would be your father. Have you dealt with the anger you must have for him for allowing you to be alone with her and for his obvious denial and what I read as his self-driven need to not fully protect you or to see what his wife truly was? I'm sorry, but only a demon surrounded by human flesh can take a knife, sterilize it and then slit the throat of a two year-old child. I personally do not believe in "mental illness" in many cases of child abuse. You can read why I feel this way by reading these articles I wrote on this subject, here: http://ordinaryevil.wordpress.com/?s=hunting+knife
The other side story is your relatives who also allowed you to be alone with that woman, and the ignorant nincompoops who called you rebellious or rude when you spoke the truth about your mother.
I love the photo of you as a little girl. It captures your drive to live, to fight, to beat the system that authorities kept you in, but it still shows your innocent and very vulnerable side.
I wish you all the peace and joy in the world.
By the way, depression is merely anger turned inward on the self. Our subconscious mind can retain an enormous amount of hidden rage --misdirected at ourselves, and done so without our conscious knowledge.
Good wishes,
Alethea
Hmm...awesome and may I say graphic, as you warned... Hub. What you have had to endure! I suppose I am stunned you were sent home after you had been so severely injured. It is a tribute to you, that you have survived and risen above such circumstances. It indicates that you are a very strong woman. May you keep that strength and know selfish has nothing to do with moving on...it is survival, you have endured enough! It is an illness,yes, but you do have a life to live as well. It seems she has lived her life just as she has wanted...Your turn! Bravo.
No Ignenira, I admit I have not. In fact I rarely if ever read self help books. I know they help some people but I'm not one of them. :-)
WryLilt, did you read any of the books from Amazon above to learn to cope with a bipolar mother ?
You are so strong despite the turbulent experience with your bipolar mom. Awesome hub !
i was brought up by a bipolar mother, nobody knoew or cared at the time, no one knew how to treat or diagnose it, england in the 50,s to 2005 when she died, a very moving story to which i can totally relate to, x
Now I understand .... and I'll repeat my comment from the forum ... you didn't deserve her anger or her various manic moments. Kudos to you for not only surviving her attack when you were two, but for continuing to live your life as a survivor - not a victim. Thank you for sharing ...
My mom was an alchoholic for most years of my childhood, she had severe mood swing due to the drinking, more like borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar.
However im diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, i was afraid of what i may become so I attempted suicide.
Now ive got better control of it and living fairly normal, apart from destructive and bizarre behavior at times.
I understand where your coming from about your mother and the guilt that comes with it.
And i understand her being reluctant to take medication as the effect are too horrible to bring to words, i can also relate to her not being able to control her actions sometimes the voices are so much more powerful than whats real.
Im looking forward to your book and thanks for sharing
Fantastic to hear that you are dealing so well now and have become stronger and wiser as a result. Thumbs up!
Lara,
I too have a Dad that is bipolar and was told by another Doctor that he is schizophrenic as well. I recently started taking care of him and saw exactly what you were talking about, controlling his mania at the Doctors office and then resuming his old ways afterwards. He did such a good job last time that the new Psychiatrist wanted to actually take him off his medicine and did not believe me at all. I had to get his medical records from the hospitals to prove that he was bipolar. In the meantime, my Dad didnt want to take the medicine anymore because of what the Doctor said, and he still believes he doesnt need the medicine after all that he has been through in his life. It is so difficult to deal with and I can't imagine going through what you did.
Wow! I admire your courage. I am glad that you recognize it as your mother's problem and not yours! Have you read anything on narcissism - sounds like it may be a fit? I now a few young adults that have grown up with bi-polar parents and I think your upcoming book is going to prove to be very helpful and insightful! Good for YOU!
Very well written hub. This must have been an accomplishment to put down on paper and possibly a relief. Thank you for sharing and do take care of yourself...
I'm glad you've moving on in your own way now, LarasMama. Thanks for sharing this very personal account.
WryLilt Hub Author 3 days ago via iphone
Artattack, think about what could happen if the daughter takes a dislike to you or feels threatened by you for any reason?