struggling!

98jdougl

don't know if this is the right place to post or not, i've just been feeling overwhelmed at the moment!

I am 24 and my fiancee has just been diagnosed with early onset dementia at 41. He also has type 1 bipolar and as horrible and selfish as this sounds, i'm just finding it exhausting at the moment. I am working full time, having to look after the house most days, care for him and do avon to make the bills! He is a wonderful man and does the best he can but everyday is a struggle for him. I'm not really sure where i'm going with this to be honest. I'm just so tired, i never get a chance to just switch off, he is worth it all every day but at the same time i find myself in tears over it, and i don't know where to turn for help or if there is any help available

Pixiechic

You are under a lot of pressure and so young. I understand your concerns and you will need support.

I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Bipolar and things at times can be difficult.

Contact Mind, they have been very helpful to my friend. This is the link to the website. I hope that they can help, http://www.mind.org.uk/.

I wish that I could be of more help, just remember that you need to take care of you too x

katsclaws

Please go to the Alzheimer's forum. It is called Talking Point and can be found at alzheimers.org.uk. There are more than 100 types of dementia and it is not just for Alzheimers. Also if you contact your local Alzheimer's Society (should be in phone book) they are always helpful.
You have a lot to cope with at a very young age. I hope you can find the support you need.

katsclaws

photogifts

Aww sweet heart

i don't know places to direct you but i can say don't feel guilty about negative thoughts you may have even carers need a break
and as user above mentioned a lot of pressure your doing great job sticking around and what you think and feel is normal grind of caring for someone so high theres a difference between acting and thinking and i am sure you are doing the best you can do your a star and should be proud of your attitude sticking around thats love putting him first

hopefully someone will guide you

flutterby_lil

Aww I really feel for you, I work in mental health and realise the pressure you must feel.

Can you not have a chat to his care co-ordinator and see what support is available for you. Are you his carer?

Good luck, hope you manage to speak to family, friends or someone who can help you offload.

x

98jdougl

thanks everyone, will def look at those sites. I imagine i will be his carer, only got the diagnosis last week although been going through assessments for a while so not too sure what options there are

Gazing_On_Sunsets

You don't have to be strong all the time. You cannot look after him if you never look after yourself - looking after yourself *is a way of lokoing after him*if you see what I mean. You can't run a car and never fill up with petrol no matter how good that car is!

I was with a man with bipolar for 4 years. I remember going into a counsellor's office, not for an appointment, and asking for information about bipolar - she looked at me and said, "but what about YOU?" and I burst into tears and cried, solidly, for 2 hours because I had never really considered myself before that - like you, I got burnt out.

So look after yourself and don't feel guilty in seeking support, it's totally necessary.

(hugs)

all_change

katsclaws wrote: »

Please go to the Alzheimer's forum. It is called Talking Point and can be found at alzheimers.org.uk.

I would second this. The site also contains a wide range of useful factsheets, as well as the forum.