Caring and Wellness

I too credit my family how far I have come while living with schizoaffective disorder. They have stuck by me in both bad times as well as good times. My parents in particular came to see every day I ever spent in a hospital and for that I am so grateful. I also must give credit to my psychiatrist and to all the hospital staff that helped me through those difficult times in my life.I know I have not also been the best patient while in the hospital but that did not stop the staff or my doctor from trying to help me!

Hi Don,

What you said is true.  Sometimes it's not a question of whether others can reach us, it's a question of our being able to reach out to accept their love and help.

You are lucky your family stood by you.

I enjoy your SharePosts and look forward to more.

Regards,

Christina

Don, I agree that family support is needed. I know that from a different angle. My family is not supportive. They have never discussed my "illness."

My little brother is developmentally disabled. He lives in a complex geared for the disabled. I bought Mike some clothes that he needed. I visit as often as I can. I emailed my father about Mike. I titled it "Mike the forgotten child."

My father emailed me back with some harsh words about Mike. Dad's words reconfirms his lack of caring for Mike and I.

I get support from Margaret. Before I met her I relied on the professionals for support. In a sense they are my true family.

They say you can pick your friends, but not your family. Can I have a second choice? I do not rely on my biological for anything. I rely on my "chosen" family.

I am happy that there are supportive families out there. It makes a difference.

Dave

My aunt is suffering from Alzheimer's and was recently placed in an assisted living center.  She can no longer drive.  She has so much pain from a fall sometime back that she rarely does much but lie in bed.  She is a very needy person -- the more you do for her, the more she wants you to do.

Your post brought to my attention that at one time, I was the needy one.  I had to live with my parents.  I couldn't even help with the housework because I was always hiding in my room.  I couldn't even string my thoughts together on a good day.  I let Mom and Dad take care of everything from paying my divorce attorney to doing the housework.

The irony of the situation is that no one in my family wants to do anything for my aunt.  We all avoid her.  My brother says he has no sympathy for her because she does little but complain.  Maybe that is why he didn't have much sympathy for me.  Part of it, I'm sure, is that he did not understand my illness and I doubt he made any effort to look for information.  I tried to talk to him about it and he wouldn't listen.  The same way I am dealing with my aunt.  She calls and wants me to buy her makeup, take her to the grocery store, find her a hair salon that doesn't charge a lot, call her doctor and demand more meds, etc.  I have woefully disregarded her needs and I feel ashamed.

Thank you for reminding me how important compassion is.

Carolyn