Many of us, myself included, come from a dysfunctional family which adds a lot of weight to the challenges of caregiving. I have read stores on various threads on other topics and decided it would be good to have a thread just for this topic for people to share, vent and discuss.
The idea for this thread originated on the thread named "The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today?"
Anyway, she recently lost the most wonderful Care Provider she's ever had. The poor gal just couldn't take it any longer. She said she hung in there with my Mothers crazy behavior because she felt sorry for her that her children didn't come around. She said, "your Mother said the most horrible things about you kids, and I felt sorry for her." I'm glad I was able to explain to her about the BPD. She said, she had new patients/clients to take care of and they smiled, and were generally happy, but she was waiting for them to explode on her. I told her it sounded like she was experiencing PTSD symptoms, and that in time she will be ok, and that now she is better informed, and will be in a position to recognize BPD traits sooner should this ever arise again.
Raging in my face looking like she wanted to kill me, my Mother said she was the way she was because of me, and I should take care of her despite the abuse, that she was there for her Mother. (dream on)
The fact is she desperately needs Assisted Living, and us kids along with her Doctor are working towards getting her the help she needs.
And yes, I am in counseling to help me deal with the guilt, the rejection from my mother and the feeling of having failed.
I've read a great deal about narcissistic mothers, and I guess I keep trying in my head to make excuses for her and rationalize why she is the way she is. I'm sure that her childhood was difficult, though we know virtually nothing about that because she doesn't talk about it. I know her own mother died when she was about 12, and that she was the youngest of about 8 kids, so I'm sure her needs for maternal love and nurturing were not met. Maybe that produced the narcissism, I don't know.
And maybe I'm the narcissist because it feels like I'm making the problem all about my sanity and my needs instead of putting hers first. I keep trying to tell myself she's 83 years old, with physical problems, cognitive problems, mental, emotional and spiritual problems. I should be able to be more objective and detached, and just deal with her on a surface level, but I can't get past the hurt.
It may sound selfish, but I'm moving. And I'll let my brothers discover for themselves what I've been experiencing.
Thanks for your support.
I had not read your last post about the 1,000.00 deposit.
Yes, this is reminiscent of our aunt, the narcissist. My pet name for her became the battle ax. I think it's very important to keep some humor in there somewhere.
I think this is the only way sometimes, we can maintain some kind of sanity for ourselves. We used to refer to our mom, as Mommy Dearest. But the ALZ, and I'm 100% sure the meds have changed all of that. The one form of protest that my mom shows, is the use of a wheel chair. She expresses that via her vanity, and not wanting to identify as being elderly, she's 92 yrs. Well, maybe that's a good thing too.
My aunt until her death being the older of the two sisters was never diagnosed w/ALZ, Dementia nor other mental illness. But with all of her questionable behaviors, I used to tell my sister that she had to have had something. Again, on account of all the divide and conquer routine going on w/the POA, MPOA, for her while she was alive, my sister didn't even really know what was going on w/my aunt's MPOA. So a proper diagnosis never happened for her.
Well, I feel for you, and highly commend you for the compassion shown your sister in her recovery from alcohol. It is difficult for any of us who have been raised, or exposed to narcissists, to disengage from them. Good for you, that you've figured it out. Hopefully, on this end people like our sisters will figure that one out too.
O.K., Sharynmarie, have a great Sunday! Love & Light! Margeaux
Best wishes, Cattails.
There is a thread on AC about the narcissistic mom. It's in the discussion section of the site. See if you can find it. Maybe it will answer some of your questions.
You mom clinches her fists when you try to talk to her. That says a lot. It says, "I do not want to hear what you are saying." You have two brothers that she is more than happy to listen too. They have removed you from any decisions because they say you are too emotional. Maybe you are too emotional.
I don't mean that in a cruel way, but you desperately want something from your mom that she absolutely refuses to give to you. The hurt and frustration causes you to continue to approach your mom in an almost pleading manner and she puts up more walls to your need for her love or approval. It's like the irresistible force meets the immovable object. Nothing shifts but the determination grows on both sides.
For what it is worth, my suggestion to you is give it up. She will not hear you and she probably never has. Ask her what she wants from you and then honor her wishes. Personally, I would leave because there is nothing for you in this continuing dance of "please love me."
I don't think this is your fault. I think it is an ongoing family drama and it's pretty common in situations involving a narcissistic mother. Please look for the thread on Narcissistic Mothers and read the conversations. So many people are stuck in this drama with a mother. I hope it helps you. If you read the thread long enough you will find how many people are trapped in this going no where scenario.
Find a counselor who can help you. Not one who just takes up your time, but one who can cut to the chase.
I'm so sorry for your pain and wish I had something more hopeful to suggest, but I think you need to put your focus on saving your self.
Hugs, Cattails
Popsgirl, you mention that your dad is, "suffering from bacterial infections and bed sores," I not sure but with your mom having diabetes n not taking care of herself n plus losing excessive weight that it seems her diabetes is out of control. She may not be able to lift your dad to rotate him so he don't get bedsores.
You also mention about your mom that, 'My mother can hardly walk, yet she still drives a car. Her feet are numb and she insists she is fine. When she recently told me she got lost and drove around for 2 hours I began to get more concerned about her safety." This is a wake-up call for all family members to step in n be concern n not just by yourself just because u live closer! Has your mom every been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia for it sounds like she has something going on n it don't sound good. If she is having trouble taking care of herself then she really not able to give the care your dad deserves. Do you know if they have insurance or medicade? I would talk to my family members n see about getting a Social Worker to check on your parents n let social worker know about your concerns n especially your mom taking 2 hr for she got lost. That is if she got lost due to declining memory n not just from taking a wrong turn. I am surprise the physician hasn't recommend something with your dad having an infection n bedsores n her own health?
This is a great site n hopefully someone else can give some better advice than I can offer. Good Luck n sorry for you r having such a hard time with the mom controlling issues.
Someone will respond to your call for advice. There are sooo many people here who are in similar situation as you! You are Not Alone! I wish I can give you advice. But, since I can't, I will provide you with encouragement. Hang in there. Take care!
This week, my two younger brothers decided along with my mother that they would be her estate executors, and have power of attorney regardless of the fact that I live with her and am her primary caregiver. I was told that I am "too emotional." Then I was told I was "too old." And that I had "health problems." I don't. They met with a lawyer to update her will, and make who knows what other arrangements.
So my mother once again defaults to her sons, whom she much prefers to me, her only daughter, and her firstborn. Problem is, I'm the one who would like to see her become proactive about her health and well-being. My brothers' attitude has been and continues to be "let nature take its course."
I'm the one who bears the responsibilities for her doctor appointments, medications, etc. and who tries to keep her hydrated and properly nourished, even though my efforts meet with her constant resistance and resentment.
I'm the one who does the research on her diagnoses, asks the doctors the hard questions, keeps all of them informed about her progress, or lack thereof. I'm the one who keeps the house running, cooks, serves and cleans up after the meals. I'm the one who worries about her lack of social interaction, her refusal to leave the house, even to just sit outside in the fresh air and sun. I'm the one who gets up at night when she has nightmares.
I'm the one who tries to please her (yes... i know). But I'm the one she resents. She always makes such a fuss over my brothers, is always concerned about their welfare, always tells them she loves them.... and always in front of me.
When they're not around, she barely speaks to me. And she won't allow any sort of communication about anything of substance, so forget trying to reason with her. It's just not going to happen. When I try to talk to her, she literally balls up her fists and shuts her eyes. If I try to keep talking, she constantly interrupts and cuts me off. She refuses to communicate. And she refuses to engage in any sort of counseling or mediation that would help us salvage our dysfunctional relationship before it's too late. She tells me that she is fine... she has no problems.... there's nothing wrong with her, and she doesn't need any counseling.
So I go on my own, and try to focus on dealing with the massive rejection. Who knew that in my 50s, I could still feel so hurt, but I do.
I want to be here for her, but it's such a stressful situation. I'm powerless, of course, and the only time she will do anything positive is when my brothers ask her to.
I've been thinking of calling it quits and moving out of town, and letting my brothers make other arrangements for her care. (She says. "Whenever you get ready to go, then go right ahead." ) But then the guilt would set in, and if I moved, it would most likely drive an even deeper wedge between me and the rest of the family.
She doesn't really want me here, and our relationship is so bad that she is miserable and I'm miserable too. I don't want that for her, or me. I just don't know what to do.
What hoops one must jump through just to get safety issues addressed concerning your mom! In her condition, does she drive often anymore? Honestly, I do feel your concern in this area!
You know, I remember when things really came to a head, this was before my sister actually moved into mother's home to start the care for mom & her sister, (now deceased) 4 yrs. ago. Mom already had been diagnosed w/ALZ, so I guess that was the difference. Yes, but it was still a delicate situation for my sister to have the talk w/mom about not driving anymore. Then later, my sister told me that our brother who'd previously been the POA, not living at mom's, but supposed to be in charge of the two elderly ladies, had not paid for her car insurance coverage. Mom had been driving uninsured for about a year, prior to giving up her license! That brother no doubt was so irresponsible, it is no wonder he got the POA, revoked from him by my aunt, the narcissist.
My sister also looks through rose colored glasses at the situation w/mom. She's still waiting for mom to give her, really what mom has never been capable of giving anyone of her children. Now I think she's possibly transferring some of this to a situation going on w/our brother.
That negligent brother of ours, is the same one who I wrote about and had the prostate surgery, & recent exit by his wife. The wife hasn't returned. Not like my brother is boo hooing about that either, as we think their marriage is really caputz at this point. But now, my sister has taken on somewhat of a protective-mothering stance w/that brother. Of course all of the overstepping boundaries surface through this, and controlling on my sister's part. My sister has tried to enlist me of course, so I had to be kind of very vocal about where I stand w/respect to my brother. I being the eldest in the family, I'm so done being their mommy! Besides, I feel like I'm keeping some kind of distance w/this brother also. It wasn't in the too distanced past my brother tried to get the other 3 siblings to sign a quitclaim deed that has our names on a property left to all of us by my dad. When mom still had her senses about her,enlisted her golden son to do this. So while I love my brother, I do not like what he has tried to do in the past w/respect to mother's money, either. He has spent & mismanaged a lot of it already.
Funny thing is now, he needs morale support, because of his recent health issue, and his wife wasn't there for him, etc. On this end, oh my sister really caved in on this front. I've sent him the detached concern via phone calls, and meditations for him and his family. This is all of the involvement I really want w/him.
But it is interesting how different family members react to the dysfunction.
Well Sharynmarie, you and your sister are holding up even under the trying circumstances. It's good that she has someone like yourself to shed some objective light into the situation. Keep doing what you are doing, and sure everything w/work out for all of you. I'll keep you in my thoughts, Love & light! Margeaux
I'm sorry for your sis and can understand her hope that if there is intervention maybe she can have a relationship with a mom who has not been reachable in past years. I can't help feeling for her loss and hope. On the other hand, I am grateful that you are not looking for that same outcome. I don't see it happening. Your mom will fight it all the way. As far as she is concerned, she's fine just the way she is. Disappointing I know, but so many years of living by that code. Hugs to you SM.
Teacher: You are in a difficult situation. Your parents have chosen a path and lived by it all their life. You are not going to change it now. Your dad now begs you to care for him and your mom, after years of emotional abuse, just recoils into her shell. I know this sounds very cold, but if it were me and I had the balls to do it, I would tell your dad that he must hire some in home help.
As you said, he is the narcissist. What else would a narcissist do but try to manipulate his child to give up their life to take care of him? How long do you think he will be happy with the care you can offer? My guess is his needs for your time will grow and grow. It will never be enough. So set some boundaries and don't get pulled into the web. Make a list of what you think they need and how often it needs to be done. You can do the grocery shopping once a week, but have a housekeeper come in to clean and get an in-home caregiver to do other things that you think need doing.
This is just the beginning. You have a husband and a life. If you don't protect those things you love, you will lose your quality of life and that's a bad decision to make when other choices are available. You need to give your dad some clear choices and then let him live with them. Don't fill in the gaps because that is like walking into quicksand.
Maybe when you do some grocery shopping you can take your mom with you and take a moment for lunch. Getting her out of the house for a couple of hours would be a good thing. Wishing you the best and hoping you can act on your own behalf.
Love to all, Cattails.
I hear Becky's (post above) cry for help and I understand completely. How do you separate yourself from the dysfunction? When I return to my own home to my husband and young adult kids, I am stressed out and nerves are raw. Keeping it together while caring for these two parents takes a lot of emotional energy.
Margeaux and Cattails thank you for thinking about me, I truly appreciate the support from you, without it I would go stir crazy. Most of the time I can deal with my mother but sometime it get overwhelming and we are just beginning the caregiving. My sister still has her rose colored glasses on in hopes of an emotional relationship that sometimes I wonder if I am emotionally dead inside regarding my mother because I have no hopes of that happening. I also keep my emotions hidden which may be why I can deal with it for longer periods of time than my sister. Thank you for caring Love and Hugs!!♥
1-800-784-2433 1-800-273-8255 and please always let someone know your plans before it is too late for them to react!! Love and Hugs to everyone♥!!
It's almost like a constant training of sorts for we who have experienced these difficult relatives, isn't it? Well hang in there, my friend. Remember detachment, and flexing the emotional muscle. Stay strong! Margeaux
Good luck with that appointment with this agent. This must be very hard for you and your sister, sounds as if your mom is quite stubborn.
I read I think a post ago by you how you became your mom's emotional support person at a very young age. I too was that person for mother. That is such a difficult position to be placed in as a child. I could certainly relate to what you wrote. But I as you, realized that she was so very emotionally immature. Truth be told, as I became older, sometimes I felt kind of like I was the parent. I think that many years later, this is what causes that ongoing tension, at times when we have to face and deal w/parents who acted like this.
O.K., I'll be thinking about you and yours in anticipation of this meeting in hopes that it goes well. Love & light, Margeaux
The whole purpose of me posting tonight is because I met a young woman at my new work site who is 29 yr. old. A year and a half ago she lost her mother very tragically. Her mother was going through some tough times emotionally...she stood in front of a train and waited!!! We all have been through soooo much garbage with our families since we were born. My heart broke into a million pieces when this young woman told me her story. She was not from a dysfunctional family in the same sense that we are familiar with so this tragedy was not something any of her family would have thought could happen. This young woman had given birth to twin girls about year before this happened and her mother was there to help and support her after she brought her double blessings home from the hospital. I can not imagine such a shock to an otherwise stable family dynamic than something as tragic as suicide in this particle way. Since this happen in the city I live in, I remember the incident because 10 days after this woman stood in front of a train, another woman did the same thing. The second woman was a young mother of two boys who was married to a wonderful husband and was from a well known family here in town. She apparently suffered from postpartum depression. My message is that we from dysfunctional families who have suffered abuse in every form imagined are not the only people who suffer because of a family member whose mental health suddenly becomes unstable. The only difference is we are used to expecting bad news and issues surfacing. Does it make us more prepared for a situation like this? I doubt it! The good news is that this young woman has a positive outlook on life and is expecting another baby. While she has gone through a horrible situation that she is still recovering from, she is also moving forward with her life with her husband and twin girls!! What an inspiration this woman is, as she showed me that life is wonderful, worth living, and that moving forward with our lives regardless of what hand we have been dealt, is most important. It is wonderful to meet people like her who give us an unexpected kick in the a$$ to move forward!