Posted by Rach on December 10, 2002, at 23:08:24
In reply to Well, I did it, posted by Dinah on December 10, 2002, at 20:33:04
Your husband is a very smart man, and not just for marrying Dinah!
One of my new mottos that I cling to whenever I feel like I'm being selfish is
'If I don't put myself first, nobody else will.'
I can guarantee that you will be of no further assistance to your parents if being around them causes you to become suicidal. How could you help anyone in that state?
Besides, we are all involved in personal, selfish battles. It is a fact of this disease that we need to think of our selves first. If we don't, we risk losing the battle, and thus losing our ability to function in the world. We need to choose the right situations to place ourselves in. We need to ensure that our own safety and comfort is met at all times. Of course, we need to push those boundaries to help our recovery, but, Dinah, placing yourself in a situation that brings up suicidal/self harm urges is ridiculous.
Your parents may be upset, and may not like outside help, but that is their problem. There are other ways you can help them (as you mentioned), like with money, interviewing people to work for them, and organising schedules. But don't feel guilty for putting yourself first. You've made the right decision.
poster:Rach
thread:33192
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021206/msgs/33198.html