Mary, I just sat down and read this, and I relate to the struggle with labels. My mother-in-law was diagnosed as bipolar in the early to mid 1980's when no one talked openly about mental illness (she initially had a mental breakdown when her husband passed away from cancer in 1975; my husband was 16). I was in my 20's and had been trying to help my MIL with the legal consequences of one of her manic periods. It was a confusing and stressful time because we never knew which person we would encounter (her manic phases were by far the most difficult). So it was a relief when she was diagnosed with BPD and the doctors got her medication dialed in, and at the same time it was very challenging because I felt like it wasn't acceptable to talk about it except with a few people. I'm grateful that the meds allowed my MIL to live well and enjoy her grandchildren for 12 before she was diagnosed with dementia.
Mary, thank you for this. I relate in so many ways. In your wrestling w labels, I can feel both how much you love and honour your mama and your commitment to being tender with yourself and your childhood experience. Thank you for letting us glimpse that path ❤️
Mary, I just sat down and read this, and I relate to the struggle with labels. My mother-in-law was diagnosed as bipolar in the early to mid 1980's when no one talked openly about mental illness (she initially had a mental breakdown when her husband passed away from cancer in 1975; my husband was 16). I was in my 20's and had been trying to help my MIL with the legal consequences of one of her manic periods. It was a confusing and stressful time because we never knew which person we would encounter (her manic phases were by far the most difficult). So it was a relief when she was diagnosed with BPD and the doctors got her medication dialed in, and at the same time it was very challenging because I felt like it wasn't acceptable to talk about it except with a few people. I'm grateful that the meds allowed my MIL to live well and enjoy her grandchildren for 12 before she was diagnosed with dementia.
Mary, thank you for this. I relate in so many ways. In your wrestling w labels, I can feel both how much you love and honour your mama and your commitment to being tender with yourself and your childhood experience. Thank you for letting us glimpse that path ❤️
Thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment, Jen. Your support is invaluable. <3