She has been back in hospital for a year, she has been a long term patient in and out of hospital or residential care for about 4 years now, she is 26. I had her when I was 18 so am still quite young myself.
She moved back to near where she grew up as she hated living where we do. She had odd behaviours but they got a lot worse after she left home.
She has disappeared for a couple of months before and it is just all very stressful. My ex MIL and her Dad visited her and she has rung me so upset. My ex MIL is a really lovely woman but has told my daughter she feels emotionally distant from her. This I understand, I do to but would never tell her.She assumed it meant she didn't like her. I have tried to discuss it in the best way possible, calm her down etc. I just find it all so exhausting. I tried to explain that sometimes her illness is stronger and then you are not sure what to say etc. I cannot be fully frank with her, I don't think it will help at all. You worry that if you offer a cup of tea it may be the wrong thing let alone try and do any kind of analysis.
I had a bit of a nervous break down two years ago, bought on almost entirely by the situation, she has no idea and never will. Walking on egg shells takes on a whole new level here as the fear of saying the wrong thing is so strong. I have had a few real lows, mainly trying to talk her out of a suicide attempt on the phone, but she still went ahead with it and also when she tried to kill herself when at my Mothers house.She is forbidden to have contact with my Mother now as she has threatened to try and kill her.
I am classed as her next of kin as I am a few months older than my ex which means I always get the letters about her section, social workers on the phone etc. It just adds to the stress.
I was in touch with a great charity , who sadly no longer exist for carers. I only had one contact but it was very helpful. I was just wondering if anyone knows any charities or support groups for carers. I know you can look on the web but any recommendations would be very welcome.