I am struggling to cope. (Mixed episode)

[Ihavereallyfuckedup]

I'm in the middle of a mixed episode.

I'm waiting therapy for some childhood trauma.

I spent the first five years of dsis life feeling more lake a mam than a sister because of how much I had to look after her. Then I spent 8years trying to learn how to be a sister. Now I have her living here suddenly. So I am trying to be a parent now. I don't know if that makes sense.

I am worried about a suicidal mum.

I am suddenly looking after a very unwell 13yo.

I don't know how to cope.

Bump.

You know how when you're in an airoplane and they do the safety briefing, they always tell you to put the oxygen mask ON YOURSELF FIRST, and then assist children and other passengers? You cannot take care of other people if you don't take care of yourself first. Why are you mothering your dsis who is now living with you? Can she not take some of the load off you?

It must be tough, knowing that your mom is suicidal. Is there a support network in place for her that you can call on? Crisis team, family members, friends? Realistically speaking, is there anything you can do?

I hope your 13yo gets better soon. As with your mom, is there someone who can share the load?

Now is the time to reach out to other people and ask for the help you need. People often want to help but they either don't know how, or they don't even know you need help. Specific requests, e.g. can you do the laundry or shopping / sit with my child while I go to the doctor, will solve both these issues.