family boundries

I am depressed and bipolar. Since January I have been in the hospital and then put on an outpatient 30 day program.  I was doing really good until my Dad and mainly my sister (who is a sever bp without treatment) who lives with my dad calls me 7 to 10 times a day.  She makes my dad crazy and will not involve my brothers in the situation.  When they fight some how they suck me into the situration because they both call me.  They had a huge fight last week and after 3 day's of me going crazy with it, they were all better. Well now I am really depressed.  It pulled me back to how I felt in January.  What do I do? I have to answer my dad's calls because he is 86 years old and may need me. I am confused.

My advice is going to be different. You aren't the only one that has to take care of your dad. You have brothers and a sister. You can't spend your life worrying about their drama. If you are feeling depressed with the situation, I would suggest taking a break. I had to separate myself completely from my family. I was getting depressed and it was affecting my health. So now you have two different pieces of advice and you still have to make a decision. I really suggest taking a break and seeing if you feel better that way. It doesn't mean you don't love your dad. Do you think that the situation would be better if your sister wasn't involved? Does she live with him?

Do what you need to do to get better. Seek counseling if you aren't already. I know how much family can affect your well being. But that is because I have been through it. Some people need drama. It sounds like your sister is like that. I have a friend like that too. There is always some type of drama going on in her life. I tend to ignore it.

I hope things get better soon for you. Give yourself some space and see if you feel a little better.

Hugs, Karen...