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[quote=Anonymous][b]1. What's your role in your family? Does that change during times of crisis? [/b]
My MIL has bipolar disorder, and has struggled with alcoholism for the last 20 years. My role is to be there for my DH whatever he needs--whether that's hugs and consolation, or not talking about it at all until he wants to share.

[b]2. What's your relationship like with your family member? With your parents and siblings? [/b]
I actually have a great relationship with MIL. I think she likes having me around, and I love talking to her when she's available. She's funny, sarcastic, and incredibly smart. But I do also think she resented me a little after DS was born, when DH and I agreed that she couldn't babysit, and we wouldn't let him into her cigarette-smoke-filled room. That was tough for a while. It's also hard to interact with her when she's in a depressed state, and sometimes also when she's manic. I try hard, but I sometimes don't know where I stand.

FIL has made a great effort to be there for DH and DS while MIL is hospitalized or otherwise not available. I think it's made their bond stronger. I should mention that they live several hours away, so it's not like we see them frequently.

[b]3. How have you protected your marriage and children from the chaos? [/b]
DS doesn't know that anything is up. He's 4 years old, and so all he knows is that sometimes, MIL is living at the house, and sometimes she lives somewhere else where there are doctors and other "old ladies" (her words!). We visit her in both places. It's obviously harder on DH, but again, I try to be there for whatever he needs.

[b]4. Do you worry about one of your children inheriting the disorder?[/b]
Yes, I do. There's depression on my side of the family, too, so it's tough.

OP, I feel what you're going through, and I offer my support from afar![/quote]

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