My sister who lives overseas has suffered from depression for nearly 20 years - since having her daughter. She has moved from one crisis to the next. She tells me she's better and then 4 days later something has happened and she's in the worst way ever.
She goes on 3 month holidays, staying with friends around the world, usually, people she has a passing acquaintance with, lands at my house swanning around talking about how fabulous her life is - she pretends she's a rock star, then she crashes and her life is tragic, she's depressed, can't get through it, needs to go back home and spend some time with her kids.
Gets a big job - she's a good talker, sticks it for 3 months has a crisis at work leaves and then is depressed and needs loads of support. Has told her kids she is suicidal because her ex won't give her more money. She's gone into extreme detail on how she planned to do it and I've phoned her friend panicked and worried and her friend said - she's fine gone out for coffee, no need to worry, it's all good here. Then takes on another new high-pressure project only to collapse under the pressure very shortly after she starts. I am exhausted by her - I don't even live in the same country as her but she still exhausts me. I want to help her, I'm worried about her but the drama is exhausting - I have my own issues to deal with - when I ask her for space - something big happens and she's in crisis again.
I am so torn between wanting to help and support but at times I am being played.
Does anyone feel the same way? How do you protect yourself - I feel completely drained.