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Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

One in five adults live with mental illness, as such it is a very genuine reality that many of the children of those living with mental health challenges have had to assume the “parenting role” in the dynamic.

Caring for parents can at times be a challenging and complex experience, but on the flip there’s a lot of growth and insight that comes from supporting a parent with mental health challenges. Join us for this event as we discuss some different strategies and support options for those affected by parents living with mental illness.

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the thumbs up (support) button below.

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I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Topic Tuesday takes place right here! It's text based, so no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the latest posts (it doesn't automatically update). Keep an eye for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post.

Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, check out our Guides.

25 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

i dont have friends caring for a dad with bipolar but i do have one friend who has a mum with parkinsons. even though it is different somewhat i find it comforting to know there are others out there figuring it all out too

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Hey @Former-Member I am sorry both yourself and your friend are managing your loved one's pain like this but so beautiful that you have found some connection and one-ness along the journey.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Hi @Former-Member I have found society doesn’t have a dialogue. Most people who have found out that I have moved in with my mother because she has dementia either say “you’re very brave,

I couldn’t do that”. Or they’ll say it would be easier to put her in a home. Yeah it probably would be, but she’s a human being that gave a lot to me growing up an I feel like it’s my turn to give back

Not much support offered by people not in the same or similar situation.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Hey @Razzle yes I find the "I couldn't do that" somehow a little bit painful? I am sure the intent is good, but I am with you I find that one quite unhelpful. Sometimes we just want someone to say "I hear you. How can I show up for you?". What would help you further in your situation with your Mum?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Yes, exactly @Former-Member . It’s almost a dismissal - it’s like they want to end the topic before it begins.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Wow @Razzle yeah that is really true actually. I suppose for them, maybe it's a safety thing. Maybe they don't feel comfortable or qualified to be there? I definitely think as humans we forget we don't need the answers when someone else is in pain, we just need to show that we are there That we are listening. I want you to know we all hear you @Razzle And our community is always backing you and all of the support you give your Mother.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

What are some practical steps to feeling less alone when caring for a parent?

none now only me @Former-Member

mum had a transition team when she broke her hip but that was in february -- nothing now

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Hey all @Razzle @Former-Member @Former-Member @Sally @Shaz51 It seems tonight is a busy night for everyone as we don't have too many people online for this event (totally fine, it happens!). We're going to wrap it up here, but I will leave the thread open until tomorrow for further chats in case anyone logs in later this evening.

@Razzle Thank you so much for your insight and for sharing this story with your Mother, really appreciated, you're not alone with it

Thank you heaps @Former-Member As well! Chat tomorrow all 🙂

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

@Razzle @Nong1990 @Darcy @Sally , @Determined

@Determined , @outlander

here for you anytime to chat 24 / 7 everyday

thank you @Former-Member

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

Hi @Shaz51 👋

This last weekend was probably the

lonliest I’ve felt in a long time. There were a lot of family functions - none local though, or what my mum would have found enjoyable so I stayed home with her. Everyone else in my family went away for the weekend and I felt like I had just been left behind. My SIL texted Saturday night and sent some photos of the party she was at - with the message “this is what you are missing out on”. I don’t think she meant to be

mean, but it was hurtful.

11 - 20 of 25