I am a 51 yr old male. I live with my 77 yr old mom. She has Mental illness as do I. I need support dealing?

you sound like a person who needs to get out of the house once in awhile. a caregiver as you needs a break. ive taken care of alot of people and one peson can not do it 24/7.

Hello! Just wanted to let you know first and foremost that you are NOT alone! 8) So many people are out there just waiting and wanting to help you and your mom.

You are in a very special situation, because not only are you the sole caretaker of a mentally ill person, you are also struggling with mental illness yourself. So there are many facets that you are dealing with and could really use help with!! I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know, right?? 8)

You didn't mention where you live...as in which part of the world. In the United States, there is a fabulous organization called NAMI--National Alliance for Mentally Ill. They have meetings and support groups all over the country. Support groups for caretakers and for consumers-as someone who is dealing with mental illness at that time. There are many people who are in your situation...and they just float from one meeting to the next...which week, depending on whatever they feel like they need the most support in at the time.

Everyone that I have encountered in NAMI is so wonderful. They have so much information, so many resources... and just knowing that you aren't the only one in the whole wide world in your position ...that in and of itself, is invaluable. There are also classes that you can take (all free, just like the meetings).

Anyway, their website is:

http://www.nami.org

I looked online for something like this in the UK....here is a link...I cannot give any personal experience with these people, but they had a lot of links on their site, maybe that could be a start.

http://www.dmoz.org/Regional/Europe/United_Kingdom/Health/Mental_Health/

A suggestion.... in being the sole caretaker of a mentally ill person (or the caretaker of anyone that has any illness), you have to remember to take care of yourself. Replenish your well...take time to write in a journal, take a walk, go for ice cream with a friend, go browse in a bookstore, whatever it is that brings you happiness! This can be extremely hard to do, I understand. But that is where a support group can also be of so much help.

Once you are comfortable ....I'm sure someone would be willing to come over and sit with your mom for a while so that you could have some time to yourself.

And she would be able to go with you to the meetings, too, at the NAMI groups. The caretaker and consumer meetings are held at the same time and place. There are also speakers before the support groups at some meetings. Then she could get out herself....get a change of scenery, meet some new people..then I'll bet she would have a bit more to talk about than the same ole'thing!

It is hard when all you have is the two of you in the same four walls day in and day out. Just know that you are not alone! Hugs to both of you!!!

I will be praying that you and your mom will have some wonderful surprises and find a new group of friends in this new year that will open up new beginnings and give you both a new lease on life!!

Take care!! Let me know how you are doing! May God Bless you both, Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you!

Smiling SueAnn 8)

Yoy also need to think of yourself when looking after a person as unwell as your mother. You may find ways of support if you ring the crisis line.

I wish you the best and you are a real trooper looking after your sick mum. Plenty of hugs to you both.