Living with someone who has mental health issues

[Confusedcubed]

Hi all

Really interested to hear from other people who living with someone who has mental health issues or people with mental health issues.

At the moment I'm really struggling to deal with it. No matter how much I read up about it online I still don't understand or know how to help DW.

It feels like when things are great, it's meh, when things are bad, it's a f disaster.

I'm trying to be as supportive as possible, but it is taking its toll on me. It feels like if I have a rest or if I'm having a bad day everything collapses no one is there to support me if I'm in need.

It's really hard when you are trying your best to help and what you get back is a meh at best.

Any advice?

It can be really hard to be strong for someone else if you're feeling rubbish yourself. Is there anyone you can talk to on the days it all gets a bit too much? My DH loves talking to him mum! Even if you're not talking about the problems of the day, it can be a good way to relax.

I would also look into what support is available for you DW. If she's suffering, there are options for her from a medical point of view, so even getting her onto the waiting list for CBT might be a first step.

My exh had mh issues. .
Sympathy /compassion etc aside please don't accept twatism as a symptom. .

Mine had MH issues for years. Try and get a counsellor to talk to yourself. Sometimes you feel so isolated because you don't want to burden them with your struggles
I did, all I wish is I had done it earlier.

"It feels like when things are great, it's meh, when things are bad, it's a f disaster. "
This is pretty much a one sentence summary of depression. Thats exactly how it makes you feel.
It sounds like you need someone to talk to. Friend? Family? Even a therapist. Dont try and do it on your own.

Is she getting help? If the MH issues are not being addressed it's very tough for you to continue supporting with no end in sight.

Thanks for your responses.

DW had signed up for CBT, but bailed out at the last minute before the first session.

I'd like to talk to a professional, but I didn't think they would be interested as I don't have MH problems.

You need to understand that you need your life. It is a wonderful thing that you are her care provider, but being engulfed and so enmeshed with her issues will eventually pull you down and create your own problems.

Make time for yourself. Pay attention to the three cornerstones of health: good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep. These are minimums and are not selfish.

You can not make her seek help. She must decide to participate in her own recovery. No one can do it for her. But this is a threshold of sorts where you can put your own limit on your sacrifice (for self preservation- perfectly valid).

I agree with the suggestions that you seek a counsellor for yourself. This is difficult and you need support. I see a counsellor as my dd has severe mh problems. I go once a month and it really makes a difference.

Good luck

You can go and talk to a professional about your shoelaces if you so wish! If you're seeing someone to help you talk, you can talk about anything
And living with someone with a MH problem, especially who struggles to seek help (as mine did) is so hard
People really don't realise how hard it is.
you feel you have to be strong
But you need support.
And the problem with friends or family, is mostly they just don't understand it. Or how it is for you. I found that friends were just a bit "well he looks ok"
Seek help!! I waited 8 years and I wish I had gone earlier

I lived with a guy who had depression. He worked from home, I went out to work. I would get home to find he hadn't got off the sofa all day, had been playing computer games etc, and then he refused to come upstairs to bed, because going to bed properly meant that there was going to be another day he couldn't face, so he'd stay on the sofa all night.

I found a therapist and self referred. I paid for about 6-8 weekly sessions to deal with my ability (or lack of!) to cope with DP and the whole situation. I left - if I hadn't, I would have had a nervous breakdown dealing with him and other issues. I am a natural "fixer" - I wanted to make everything better - the therapist made me realise that the only person who could fix DP was himself, and that I was going to break myself trying to do it.

There is a good site, called Out of the FOG which might be helpful.

Actually I went to Dr, who referred me to Wellbeing, who gave me counselling, and then some amazing CBT.
All because I was close to the end of my tether, living with a family member with MH issues.

This issue can be huge, and you need support, for you
Best wishes

Out of the blue (at least to me) my wife developed MH issues in the early 2000's that led to a suicide attempt and her being sectioned and in hospital for nearly a year and a further relapse a year or so later that led to another long period in hospital. I had no experience of this and struggled to understand an illness that wasn't physical - I learned and saw a lot more of the mental care system than I ever wanted to know - both state and private. At the time we had 3 young sons and obviously trying to hold down a full time job, look after the children and support my wife was beyond exhausting (and led me to resent her which I know is wrong) so I understand how you feel. On the positive side she is (as far as I know) pretty even now with the help of medication and has not had issues for a number of years. I learned that mental health issues are not to be ashamed and can be controlled but its a long road. I also learned that the most unlikely people can be helpful and supportive when these things happen (and vice versa). All that said we are now divorced - it is something our relationship just never recovered from. I am sure there are many stories with better endings ! Not sure any of this rambling helps you but I wish you all the best.

Look at "depression fallout" site
Speak to Mind and Rethink about support for carers
Yes go to gp and ask for free nhs counselling for you