New and exploring support community

[MountainMom]

Hello and thanks for being here. My family is getting counseling, and though undiagnosed, my spouse may have one or a combination of BPD, NPD, or Bipolar. Today I realized that while he talks of impossibilities and divorce, he actually wants me to talk him out of it. I was able to sit with him in the negative emotion, and the worst of it passed.  My faith is the biggest thing that has gotten me through, but I have so much anxiety around triggers that either linger from my own growing up or from 22 years of being married to someone with these symptoms. I was historically a more laissez-faire person, but in the past 7 years since his cancer diagnosis, his symptoms have intensified- and my edgy stress as well. It has been difficult for me to take responsibility and make changes, understand and implement boundaries, and create a good life for me and our family.  We have 5 kids that are all affected in one way or another. I take it one day at a time, but thinking that there may be a community around this that can help could make a big difference. Thanks for listening.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[pursuingJoy]

Hi MountainMom  welcome 

I grew up one of 5 kids raised by an NPD dad who was a missionary, so faith was a huge part of our lives. I can likely relate to your kids' experiences and would love to know how each of them is managing. Each of my siblings had a different response to my dad.

Today I realized that while he talks of impossibilities and divorce, he actually wants me to talk him out of it. I was able to sit with him in the negative emotion, and the worst of it passed.

This definitely sounds like an 'aha' moment. Good for you!

You're not alone, that is for sure. We'd love to know more about your story. Big hug.