Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Friends, families and carers

Carer and consumer

AnnabelleSenior Contributor31 July 2014, 9:59 pm AEST

Carer and consumer

This forum is for carers, but what if you are a carer and you have a mental illness as well. Which one takes priority? I have bipolar disorder but I am also a carer.

My eldest daughter has bipolar disorder and ADHD. My second daughter has no problems (although she is gay, which has caused her problems in the past). My third child, a son, has Down syndrome, autism, sleep apnoea, hearing loss and depression and my youngest has ADHD and severe anxiety. Despite this, you wouldn't pick us in a crowd and my family functions very well.

Even though I am posting this in the Carers forum, I am drawn more to post in the Lived Experience Forum. Does anyone else relate to this?

17 replies

1 - 10 of 17

1 2

In response to: Carer and consumer

JTSenior Contributor02 Aug 2014, 10:06 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi Annabelle,

I get what you mean. I think there are times we just feel more in our carer role or more in need of support on a personal level. I'm bipolar and have children and parents with disabilities. My role as a carer really took the front seat for so long I snapped before I learned I was just as important. End of the day we are indeed both.

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

HobbitSenior Contributor07 Aug 2014, 6:56 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi guys,

Thanks for this great discussion. Makes me think of that old adage - "if we don't look after ourselves, we can't look after other as well". It's a very hard thing though, and I really appreciate your comments.

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

HobbitSenior Contributor14 Aug 2014, 5:42 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi Annabelle and JT,

Just thought I'd see how you guys are going?

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

AnnabelleSenior Contributor14 Aug 2014, 9:00 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

HI Hobbit,

I just composed a message and then it vanished. I will wait to see if it goes through and if not, I will write it again. It basically said, 'I'm fine, but busy' (with the subtext added). How are you Hobbit?

Anne

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

NikNikSenior Contributor14 Aug 2014, 9:03 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hey Annabelle,

Thought I'd just jump in. In terms of your message vanishing, try going to your profile and see if it's there under "auto saved drafts" on the right hand side.
Hope it's there! Nothing worse (well.. maybe a couple of things 🙂 )

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

HobbitSenior Contributor14 Aug 2014, 9:15 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi Annabelle,

'I'm fine, but busy' (with the subtext added).

No seriously, I'm good, and thanks for asking.I hope things are going OK for you. Keep us posted if you have any concerns or feel like someone to talk to. That's what these forums are for!

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

JTSenior Contributor15 Aug 2014, 7:44 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi Hobbit,

All good thanks. Been a busy month!

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

HobbitSenior Contributor21 Aug 2014, 5:18 pm AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Hi guys,

Good to hear you are doing well. I have been busy too. On a personal level, I play guitar, and the other week I bought a REALLY good guitar, but it was set up REALLY badly!! So I just this afternoon got it back from the shop and hopefully it plays well. If it plays well, then maybe I can learn how to play well too ha ha!!

In response to: Re: Carer and consumer

PeppiPattySenior Contributor05 Sept 2014, 12:12 am AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Aww Hobbit.....now we can ask....how's the guitar??
Lol.
what a good hobby!

In response to: Carer and consumer

PeppiPattySenior Contributor05 Sept 2014, 12:18 am AEST

Re: Carer and consumer

Dear Annabelle,

you sound like an unseen in a crowd superstar. I am happy to read your comments. How are your children doing at school? Both my sons have finished High School. How is your son ? What does he like doing?

1 - 10 of 17

1 2

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.