Bipolar War: How to Declare a Truce?

[ILADVOCATE]

I will have to avoid specifics of this because it involves legal documents. However, my mother is on some documents determining my financial welfare and healthcare. Before recovery, it was neccessary because I was psychotic and could not make my own decisions which I can now. Now they are neccessary because of my physical disability. But I can make my own decisions. And her level of emotional judgment and thinking is not rational. I would prefer she start treatment but I know that's her choice. But if not she has continuously made wrong decisions, tried to force her thinking on me or go into agitated mixed states about my life. I would appreciate if she just have another person handle these documents. But she doesn't understand that. As you know if you know me my neurological disability is severe. So although I am mentally rational I am physically in danger. I contacted family members to see if I could discuss it with them and one said "have you considered living in a group home?" That is frightening to hear for me. No one understands. And yes I could take this to court and did inform the family attorney who said "you must seek outside counsel". I don't want to take my own mother to court. And I'd rather work with her. But her judgment, thinking and affect are not rational. I would prefer she seek treatment. But if not she is not capable of managing my life. She has to let go. But these documents keep her in charge for the rest of my life which if she doesn't seek treatment is a scary thought for me.

[Germur]

Hi,

I am not a lawyer, however, I your mother does not have the mental capacity to make decisions on your behalf, I don't think that the paperwork that she has for you is valid anymore.  The problem becomes, if she can't and you can't then who will.  I sounds like you might be heading for a tough time ahead so fasten your seat belt beause the ride might be bumpy.  Whatever you do, don't let these circumstances thow you backwards in great progress that you have made on the mental front.  Best wishes and keep your faith strong.

[LetaB]

Does your mother hold your power of attorney? Is there a trust involved? You know she'd have to do something way over the top for you to force her to get help. Are these symptoms of hers new or progressive? Perhaps she has dementia setting in as well as BP. Don't any of your relatives have an opinion of her as being "eccentric"? My mother was always so hysterical but more organized and positive than me. It wasn't until we, her children, started getting diagnosed that we realized she was BP. Everyone thought she was emotional, sensitive, critical, proud but not crazy until we looked back at the facts. How old is she, if I may ask? It daesn't seem guardianship should remain in someone's possession past a certain age due to the likelihood of age related problems. I do suspect you'll have to go to court to get control of your own decisions again. I would think she could see that she that you are much improved and that it is emasculating you for her to retain this power. How is your relationship with her? Can you talk rationally about this situation? Is she in denial about your mental health and her own?