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I Love My Mom

I recently flew to my home town to visit my parents.
And I cried the entire way back.

My mom has been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia ever since I can remember.
I hadn’t visited them in a few months, but I’d always call my dad, just to see how they were doing. He’d explain the situation, but hearing it isn’t the same as witnessing it.

I’ve been incredibly busy with work, and took a few days off last week to visit them.
The mental state that my mother is in, is completely heart breaking, and I can only hope she gets better.

I wish I could visit more often, but my work schedule keeps me occupied.

I’m their only child. Believe me, I feel incredibly selfish, like I’ve failed them as a daughter, because I can’t be there when they need me.

I’ve been trying to convince them to move up to my state, but my dad doesn’t want to, he thinks it could really hurt my mom. And I can’t argue with that.
I just don’t know what to do anymore. This week has been emotionally draining.

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MrPerditus1 · 61-69, M

Mental illness is so hard on everyone involved or around it. You can only do so much, but I'm sure your parents appreciate whatever you can give. They know it's hard and I doubt they think you're being selfish. You're there when you can be.

It's not easy at all to see a parent going through what your mother is dealing with or how your father is handling things. But, just being supportive and loving and keeping in touch does make a difference. I know it's hard not to look at negatives while feeling this way, but try to find some positives.

Just try to stay strong for them and yourself, keep loving them and letting them know, which from the sounds of it, you do.

I know these probably aren't very helpful words, but honestly, there isn't much more you can do or I can say. I do wish you and your parents the best and hope you can get past the drain.