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

Unknown userMember29 Aug 2019, 9:52 am 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.

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25 replies

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

RazzleSenior Contributor24 Sept 2019, 8:17 pm AEST

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

Thanks @Former-Member

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

Shaz51Senior Contributor24 Sept 2019, 8:20 pm AEST

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

sending you understanding hugs @Razzle ,

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

Shaz51Senior Contributor24 Sept 2019, 8:23 pm AEST

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

also @Razzle you were there for your mum which was very nice and important my friend xxx

I have missed lots of things too but being there for your mum xxx

@Former-Member,

sending you hugs @Sally

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

SallySenior Contributor24 Sept 2019, 8:38 pm AEST

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

That's true - my mother is my dark "skeleton' in the closet. I find even working as an allied health professional that it is not unusual for some of my peers as well as others socially to have the attitude "feel so sorry for someone with THAT" or "that's the worst, so thankful/thank God that's not me/ my family" as if you're talking about the plague. When I responded back to another worker that someone in my family actually has schizophrenia when they said that, they went strangely silent - maybe embarassed??

Unfortunately societal atittudes towards psychotic illness are still very backward - admit someone in your family has it and watch how fast some people back off. It's only in recent years - a childhood friend who knew what I went through, and whose stepson has since been diagnosed as a young adult - that I now have someone to talk to occasionally who has some inkling of the challenges. However, it's not the same for them. Having a parent with SMI, delusions, and paranoia, who never met your needs as a child, but whose needs instead that you had to fulfil while ensuring everyone else was safe. I remember someone else saying that as a child of a parent with mental illness you spend your life always feeling isolated - it's true to a degree, although good friends help.

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

RazzleSenior Contributor24 Sept 2019, 8:40 pm AEST

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

@Shaz51 I feel like I made the right decision to move in and care for her, which was a huge relief for my brothers.

But now, its like because I’m here she’s no longer their problem, they’ve moved on with their lives, nothing has really changed for them, and I dont feel like they have any regard for me.

I dont expect them to sit home and let life pass them by just because I’m kind of stuck in that position, but I don’t need them rubbing my nose in it either.

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