Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Former-Member]

My husband of 9 years has Schizoaffective Disorder - Bi-Polar Type. When i met him he was diagonised with Bi-Polar but that changed on a visit to hospital a few years back. The change of diagonis seems to fit him well. He is a very supported person and is well functing in this condition. But can always improve in some areas. The main area that affects me is his reliance on me and his over concern of me (He has a high level of Paranoia about safety). For the last two years we have also worked in the same place. Me full time and him part-time because he has to sleep alot of the time to stay resonably well. With a recent change of hours for me i wont be at the work place as much in the same time frame as him, which then will free up some time to my self (i have needed this for a long time). He is very good with taking medications and seeing specialists (which im so thankful for).

How do other people deal with the reliance placed on them?

[Former-Member]

Hi Sally07
I found this Qld carer website really helpful in relation to the matters you have raised.
http://mhr4c.com.au
Darcy

[JellyBean]

Hi @Former-Member,

Even when a loved one is functioning and managing their mental health well, being a partner or carer can be exhausting and not always leave enough space for your own needs. 

I'm not sure if you have managed to have a look around the forum but there are some good threads such as here where @Former-Member and @Shaz51 have made some good posts.

Taking time out for yourself to look after your own physical and mental health is really important as the reliance can feel 'heavier' when your own needs are undernourished. 

[Shaz51]

Hello @Former-Member xx

how are you today ??

Living with a partner with schizoeffective disorder

[Former-Member]

Going alright thanks Shaz51. Husband a bit lacking sleep in this hot weather. So a bit over emotional.

[Shaz51]

Hello @Former-Member xx

sending you hugs my friend 

my hubby is very very tired and exhausted today , he said it is the tablets and I say it is the Heat

[Appleblossom]

Yes @Former-Member & @Shaz51 there is usually a reason for exhaustion and feeling over-emotional .. even if we are not exactly clear what it might be.

Take care of yourselves and your partners.

[Shaz51]

Thank you @Appleblossom

I agree , I think it is because of the big weekend , my hubby cant take too much but then today he said he was worried about his children and the 2 weeks holiday that we are going to take over christmas xx

[Former-Member]

He tends to sleep better in the cooler weather. Also when it's not as light. I find he doesn't sleep as deaply on full moons when there isn't cloud cover.
Feeling pretty exhausted myself from the heat. Haven't got much planned in the way of hoildays until next year but still can be pretty full on this time of year.

[Shaz51]

Hubby is the same here with sleep @Former-Member

we won`t be going anywhere for our Holiday, staying home , just not working

we are self employed because of hubby`s MI