Topic Tuesday // When caring for parents // Tues 24 Sep, 7pm AEST

[Former-Member]

Bit of a chill one this eve but I will move along to the next question anyhow 🙂

It’s easy to feel alone at times, even though mental health challenges are very common, society still lacks a bit of dialogue around caring for parents with mental health issues.

What are some practical steps to feeling less alone when caring for a parent?

[Former-Member]

i dont have friends caring for a dad with bipolar but i do have one friend who has a mum with parkinsons. even though it is different somewhat i find it comforting to know there are others out there figuring it all out too

[Former-Member]

Hey @Former-Member  I am sorry both yourself and your friend are managing your loved one's pain like this but so beautiful that you have found some connection and one-ness along the journey.

[Razzle]

Hi @Former-Member  I have found society doesn’t have a dialogue.  Most people who have found out that I have moved in with my mother because she has dementia either say “you’re very brave,

I couldn’t do that”. Or they’ll say it would be easier to put her in a home.  Yeah it probably would be, but she’s a human being that gave a lot to me growing up an I feel like it’s my turn to give back

Not much support offered by people not in the same or similar situation.

[Former-Member]

Hey @Razzle  yes I find the "I couldn't do that" somehow a little bit painful? I am sure the intent is good, but I am with you I find that one quite unhelpful. Sometimes we just want someone to say "I hear you. How can I show up for you?". What would help you further in your situation with your Mum?  

[Razzle]

Yes, exactly @Former-Member .  It’s almost a dismissal - it’s like they want to end the topic before it begins.

[Former-Member]

Wow @Razzle  yeah that is really true actually. I suppose for them, maybe it's a safety thing. Maybe they don't feel comfortable or qualified to be there? I definitely think as humans we forget we don't need the answers when someone else is in pain, we just need to show that we are there That we are listening. I want you to know we all hear you @Razzle And our community is always backing you and all of the support you give your Mother. 

[Shaz51]

What are some practical steps to feeling less alone when caring for a parent?

none now only me @Former-Member 

mum had a transition team when she broke her hip but that was in february -- nothing now

[Former-Member]

Hey all  @Razzle @Former-Member @Former-Member @Sally @Shaz51 It seems tonight is a busy night for everyone as we don't have too many people online for this event (totally fine, it happens!). We're going to wrap it up here, but I will leave the thread open until tomorrow for further chats in case anyone logs in later this evening.

@Razzle Thank you so much for your insight and for sharing this story with your Mother, really appreciated, you're not alone with it

Thank you heaps @Former-Member As well! Chat tomorrow all 🙂 

[Shaz51]

hello @Razzle @Nong1990 @Darcy @Sally , @Determined

@Determined , @outlander 

here for you anytime to chat 24 / 7 everyday

thank you @Former-Member