Not sure if lilyputian was quite saying that
But I can understand why some children of bipolar parents would choose to walk away. I will take regular 'breathers' from my mum when she becomes too much to deal with, but these still don't lessen the impact of a bad encounter. Even though she may not realise she's doing it and it may not be her fault, she can still put you down and make you feel less than worthless. Both my sister and I grew up to be very low in self-esteem and confidence, but (quite independently, and without the other knowing) we both went through counselling to put it right. So I can understand why someone might choose to divorce their mum with that illness. You only get one life, and if someone is making that life worse without making an effort do the opposite, then it may be that you will get more out of your life without them.
That said, I couldn't leave her on her own, or have her feel that she'd been abandoned. The guilt of that would make my life much worse!
( Yo 'Ho of Charlie mass-market saucetrepreneur, Tue 9 Oct 2012, 9:59, 1 reply)

I wouldn't walk away
I wouldn't walk away Ringofyre, I was suggesting that the illness and responsibility of it is the mother's and of course any mental health services she might be engaged with. Even though it's hard children shouldn't be saddled with the responsibility of the mental illness of a parent - that's not suggesting abandon them but try to find a way of interacting with them in a manner that preserves your own sanity!
(lilyputian, Tue 9 Oct 2012, 20:02, closed)

Furry muff.
How to instigate said sanity preservation while still maintaining contact & support would be the kicker I think.
Good luck to Charles if he can find that balance.
(Misery McUglywife an attention seeking sociopathic fuckstain., Tue 9 Oct 2012, 21:51, closed)