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Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all safe and healthy. My husband is suffering from mental illness. It has been tough. It probably started in a mild form about a year ago, but he strongly resisted any help offered to him. He started believing his thoughts very very firmly. Initially I used to challenge his thoughts and try and show him perhaps a more positive view. However, we would invariably end up in fights and he would dismiss my view. His condition got so severe that he had to leave the country in fear that he was being tracked, phone calls were being tapped, his career was destroyed etc.

I honestly have felt numb, helpless, stuck. I could not agree with him, couldn't challenge him beyond a point, and he wouldn't agree to seeking help. Therefore the last 6-8 months have been very challenging. I feel depressed, stuck and I feel like I get sucked into his thoughts during situations. At times there are decisions to be made and he wants to take charge because of his mind set. So we're dealing with very cryptic communication, multiple email addresses (basically trying to hide). Certainly ones personality also plays a role in how difficult situations are handled. I'm looking to understand what are some coping strategies for carers, specifically in cases where you're caring for someone who has delusional disorder (persecutary type).
We are currently setting up appointments for my spouse to see a GP and a mental health plan. Any advice around how to navigate this process?
I feel a sense of relief knowing I can pen my thoughts here and learn from others experiences.
Positivity and strength to all, Thank you

12 replies

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In response to: Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

Re: Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

@andromeda9

Oh I hear you, I also struggled with boundaries and being a people pleaser. With a mother who had Bi polar I wasn't allowed boundaries.
It took a lot of inner work and guided counselling to teach me that I have a right to my own boundaries without guilt.
Im so sorry your road has been so hard. And that damage occurred along the way. Life can be so cruel at times. But I hope that now you have been able to separate for a chance for you to rebuild again a new further for yourself. But yes it's not easy to heal and rebuild but believe you are worth it!!!

In response to: Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

Re: Drowning. Looking to learn from others here

I feel what you have said so deeply. My partner is currently going through what i believe to be psychosis but we are taking a long route to finding the actual diagnosis.
2 months ago he was advised to go to emergency but declined as he didnt want to be in hospital by himself and me not able to visit due to covid so stayed home and seeked psychiatrists and councillors appoitments.

My anxiety and mental health is now declining whilst we wait for these appointments

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