How did you deal with the emotions that came crushing on you?

You are probably emotionally and physically exhausted and totally wiped out. You made a first step to save your self & you will find lots of support here for doing that. Have you considered a support group or a therapist? While i didn't have the whole posse that you seem to have, i did/do have a very selfish and manipulative mom. My therapist helped me tremendously. Also - this board is a great place to get support. Would you tell us a little bit more about your circumstances? Congratulations on recognizing that you DO have value, for also recognizing that no one else would change the situation unless you did. Congratulations for getting out of that quagmire of ugly.

You are right about wiped out. I am trying to get back to normal which is difficult. The emotional stress scarred me and it is very hard to focus since I am sad that I had to separate from my parents and siblings. Mom was like a walking time bomb, so I was always on the edge. The food, my actions, the city water, and everything was not good enough. She goes crazy when she looses her stuff then the screaming comes on for hours. She had imagined things that were not true and told my siblings about false rumors. I had inquired about group interventions to air our my feelings and hopefully be able to help someone who is going through the same experience. You had asked me about circumstances? Are you asking about certain things she did? I have quite a bit? She is a very manipulative person that is why my sibling believes in her. My dad was always an easy going person so nothing for dad. Only mom telling everyone how poor I am that I have to steal her personal items, creams, underwear, soap and others. She hides her stuff and don't remember where she placed them.

Get out and stay away until you have your emotions and your self sorted. bless you!

Yes I am doing that now. At 57 the dramas are too much. I am no good to my family when I am a nervous wreck. I am feeling bad that I had ignored my kids and husband. Today I got a chance to homework with my 9 year old son. I got married late so my kids are still younger.

Dear Burntout,

I'm so sorry to hear what you've been going through. Families are so hard. I know you did your best under the circumstances. Glad you were able to set the boundaries and protect your own physical and mental well being. I know its disappointing when you've made so much effort in the relationship and now the only option is to end it.

Its hard to deal with emotions. I wasn't good at it either. I thought I was being the hero, the good one, the good daughter, but it all came crashing down on me. I became so angry. I wish I had a better balance sooner. I feel like I lost my compassion and good judgement. And in the end, I lost my father. I never wanted to lose my father. But the lack of validation, consideration and acknowledgment just made me angrier. I wish I had looked for more help sooner instead of trying to carry the whole load on my own.