SilleNew Contributor
My Mum (carer) will not ask for support
My Mum has been through a lot. Im not even sure where to start.
She is one of 5 siblings born in the 50's & 60's. 3 of her siblings (my 2 aunties and one uncle) have been diagnosed with mental illheath. Her other sibling lives interstate with his wife and children and has very little to do with the support of the other siblings. My mums mum is also still around but very aged and also needing some support now.
One of my aunties tragically passed away a couple of years ago of a heart attack. This was a very traumatic experience for my family, especially my Mum. It may not have been her schizo effective disorder that killed her directly, but after many years of struggling and feeling lost about how to help, my Mum blames herself for not managing her sisters health issues and in turn, sort of blames herself for her death.
Now my other aunty is going through a rough patch with her schizophrenia. Mum is doing her best to support her but it also causing her a great deal of distress.
My Mum has always taken on all the responsibility for her ill siblings. No one supports her. However, I believe she needs to explore support services. I have tried to raise this with her but she is resistant. I have pointed her to this service/organisation but I dont think she has the time or belief to explore options. Im at a loss.