I'm mentally ill and cannot take care of my father. The family's been aware of this. What do I do?

Call Adult Protective Services in your area and self report the situation. State you cannot provide care and ask what can be done to keep dad safe and provided for. They may contact other family, but be clear you must now prioritize your own health and will not be involved anymore. If you and dad are in the same home, you’ll need to make arrangements for one of you to move. I wish you healing and peace

Ask your Doctor for a therapist - find yourself support . Join a community center or go to an community acupuncture clinic (to take care of your mental and Physical health . Exercise , ride a Bike, go for a swim try and reduce your stress .

Remove yourself from the situation . Contact your Local Housing authority and tell them your disabled . Hopefully you are Getting SSI If Not get yourself to the social security office . Then Look to rent a room if Possible .

I am so, so sorry. Your mental and physical health absolutely need to be your top priority.

What is your housing situation? Do you live with your father in his home, or does he live with you in yours?

Are you employed, or on disability, or does your father or family support you financially in exchange for taking care of your dad?

Call Adult Protective Services first thing tomorrow (Monday) morning and tell them that you cannot do this any longer, that you and your father are both at risk and unsafe, that your family refuses to provide assistance for either of you, and that it is an emergency.

Call 988 now if you need to. And keep us posted. We care and want to help you.

You need to head straight to your doctor.
We can know nothing about your diagnosis or prognosis, or even if you are currently being paid to care for your elder, or if you are on disability.

If your doctor cannot guide you to social workers to form a plan for exit from this situation into one where you are in group home or small efficiency apartment of your own, then I would call APS and tell them you are incapable of going on giving sub-minimal care, and that you yourself need help and guidance for yourself.

Inform family this is the route you will now be taking.