1953,

I'm glad your son is doing so much better. Talking to someone who understands, who's been there, whether dealing with mental illness or addiction (or both) can feel like a lifeline. I've been in a mixed state most recently, which can sneak up on you. For me, I was still going to work, so there was the misperception that "everything is fine." People who have been there can call you out on it. Or be there to catch you when you fall.

And I can't imagine what it must be like to be on the side of family.

I am in some ways glad my parents did not abandon ship. I also know myself well enough to know that requiring me to do something like that may just have pushed me further away from where I needed to be. In my own case, I think I needed to get there on my own. Thankfully, my family probably realized that years ago. Unhealthy as the family dynamic may be. Parents usually know what's best.

No easy answers.