When a loved one's mental illness affects you
So a loved one of mine suffers from mental illness, and sometimes their issues get projected onto me. Or often times, their anger gets misdirected at me over small triggers. I know I can't be mad about it, because it's and mental illness and symptoms show themselves in ways that the person can't help, but sometimes it's really hard. Especially since their breakdowns often trigger my own depression, and causes lots of issues between us. In addition, this person won't get help for their issues. I don't really know if there's a good way to deal with this, as it's all based off of mental illness issues, things that people often can't control symptoms of.
I hear what you are saying. I have four teenaged boys, adopted from Guatemala, who all have varying degrees of teenaged angst, but also mental health issues. I'm single and having to manage all on my own. I wasn't always single, and the person that "wanted" to continue adopting children was a baby lover. After all debts were paid and the adopted kids started being older and having very visible problems, she left. Now it's all on me. I just want to walk out the front door, but as you state, it's not about me, it's what to do to help them feel secure, loved, and appreciated.
Hi Lyss! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We are here to support you. I understand what you're saying about it being hard to deal with your loved one with mental illness. While, it may be true that they can not help their actions, it's also true that you are entitled to feel whatever emotions they elicit in you. It's valid and you deserve to vent that emotion. You can't force someone into getting help, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve support. You are amazing for wanting to help your loved one but you're important too. Good luck on your journey and please feel free to reach out to me if you need additional support. :)
I am sorry that you are going through this.
