OP, I am so sorry. I don't have a child with mental illness but an elderly parent in failing health and it is so energy draining to deal with on a daily basis. It is also difficult for others, who are not going through something similar, to understand. I hope that you find some peace. I am trying also in spite of the challenges. Let's stay positive for each other.

Also wishing you strength and peace.

Wishing you strength nod sending you hugs!

Do you have a partner that is helping?

I am so sorry, mental illness in a family could be very draining especially when it is your child. Hang in there , there is nothing you can do about it but one day they might find a cure for it.

Sending you encouragement.

Just hugs, op. I sometimes feel that way, and my life is a cakewalk compared to yours. Sending you love from one Internet stranger to another.

Anonymous wrote:Are you getting some help for you?

OP here. Yes, I see a therapist every 2 weeks but 95% of the time we are talking about my son so sometimes I walk out of there feeling like I didn't talk much about myself. I'm also on an anti-depressant. I don't think I'd get through the days if I wasn't on it. I've really let myself go, gained a lot of weight, and I don't have many friends anymore. I just spend all of my time and energy at work and then dealing with my son and running him to appointments and therapy, etc. It's just draining and depressing. Especially when my son is taking his anger out on me most of the time.

Hang in there. They discover new things every day. Some day they will be able to help your son.

Anonymous wrote:Are you getting some help for you?

+1
I only had to deal with my mentally ill sibling, and that was draining enough. I can't imagine having to care for a child with mental illness.

I am so sorry. I wish I knew what to say to help you. You sound like a great mom.

I am sad about your son. I hope he gets the treatment he needs. But the thing is (and it might be difficult to hear this), you must live for yourself as well. Remember that. Don't think it's "selfish" to take care of yourself too. Don't be afraid to enjoy things. You have to learn to compartmentalize something that feels all encompassing. Difficult, I know, but you MUST do it for your own well being.

Are you getting some help for you?

Anonymous wrote:I just really want to be done. I'm tired of it all. I've posted before on here about my mentally ill son. He's 11 and we've been seeking treatment for him since age 4. None of the many many psychiatrists we've seen over the years can help us. I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. If I could look into a crystal ball and see that one day he was going to be okay and find a wife and have a good career, etc. maybe that would give me some hope. I'm just so tired of it all.

Wishing you strength. You are a good mom to keep trying.

I just really want to be done. I'm tired of it all. I've posted before on here about my mentally ill son. He's 11 and we've been seeking treatment for him since age 4. None of the many many psychiatrists we've seen over the years can help us. I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. If I could look into a crystal ball and see that one day he was going to be okay and find a wife and have a good career, etc. maybe that would give me some hope. I'm just so tired of it all.