[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by 21C

My turn to decompress here because I don't have any sort of reliable support network.

My 34yo daughter is bipolar and had a deteriorating ability to look after herself. She had a similar episode 11 years ago and got the assistance to get back on with her life. This time, my ex-wife and I called to get her committed after she resisted our attempts to get her support.

Long story short, she is now getting the help she needs but it is a gradual process.

However this has a huge effect on my own (barely functioning) mental health. I felt heartened because she asked if I could visit her every day which I didn't mind - I am effectively retired and I would do anything to support her. The daily highs and lows of her manic behaviour take a toll on me - and I know that this is ultimately not about me.

I have been divorced for 12 years and I have turned into a hermit unable to deal with long term friendships that have dried up and disappeared. Discussions with my daughter have turned into one-sided attacks which are not meant to be vindictive but hurtful nonetheless. That in combination with dealing with my ex-wife has turned me into a set of raw nerves that has me questioning my entire existence (no suicidal thoughts in case you were wondering).

I am coping but I'm struggling.

I'm sorry you are doing with this. Without digging too deep, are these dealings with your ex-wife solely concerning your daughter's mental health and her care or does it go beyond that? I'm just wondering if it is possible to limit the dealings to only discussions about your daughter's care and not include topics that make things worse for the both of you.