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jenny lucas Online
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- Posts: 9648
- Joined: Mon Oct 07, 2013 5:39 pm
Sat Apr 04, 2015 12:12 am
Hi, my mother had MH issues (possibly bipolar, possibly schizophrenia, never formally diagnosed but DEFINITELY had something!), and when you said 'walking on eggshells' it resonated immediately. My bro and dad and me spent our lives 'walking on eggshells' around mum, and always vetting what we said and did, in case it 'sent her on a bender' (she could do benders for England!).
We had to learn to 'manage' her (sometimes we succeeded, sometimes we didn't), but she could go 'volcanic' at the drop of a hat (or a comment we didn't realise would set her off).
I've seen something similar with another family member who has 'alcohol issues' - when too much alcohol has been imbibed, the slightest sense of 'criticism' can ruin the entire evening, and all the 'wrongs suffered' come biting out and it turns into Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. More bloody eggshells....
So, yes, I do, for one, know what it's like to have to be on your 'guard' the whole time, and pussy-foot and pander and soothe and calm down etc etc etc.
It takes its toll - it definitely takes its toll. (However much one loves them...)
This site is brilliant for 'venting' - and far better to do it here in a safe place, where it can cause no pain or hurt or damage.
All best, Jenny