what should I do about my parents?

Question

My father has a noncurable disease called M.S. It can make him extremely depressed from time to time and then my mom and him both get sad. It seems like they're too busy caring for each other to care for me. I know it sounds selfish, but that's what I think. I used to be able to talk with my sister about this stuff, but now she's at college across the country. I guess I'm just feeling lonely and like no one is looking out for me. Sure I have friends, but my best friend and I never talk about this stuff and I only really have one friend who will listen to me when I talk about this stuff, but I feel guilty how I'm taking up all her time. I just really need someone my age who I can talk to, and have them talk to me. What should I do? What's going on?

Answer 1

Call a MS support group, I am sure there are other kids going through what you are going through.

Answer 2

If something is bugging you, just talk about it on here...Make it a question so you don't get reported...There are a lot of people on here willing to help you...I have a rare form Of MD, mine was trauma related, not genetic, extremely painful 24/7 and there is no cure.
You dad is going through alot, but he also has to know there is a lot of life worth living and he needs to pull himself up by the boot straps and do something...I'll tell you its not a good thing if your dad gives up and is in he own little world depressed. He needs to get out a do something, even if its a hobby. Life is worth living no matter what cards are dealt us.
Check The MS sites, they have boards like this one with others going through the same thing...

Answer 3

One of the best ways to get one's mind off one's self is actually to help others! So even though you are feeling neglected and the one needing attention right now, put yourself into helping them...You miss your parents...well maybe if you offer to help where needed you not only allow them to see that YOU care about THEM, and you;ll also be spending more time with them. Let them know by actions that you want to be with them, and want to help. You'll feel good about yourself, and likely they will feel better too.

It wouldn't hurt to talk about your feelings with them either. Acknowledge that you know they are going through a lot but you really need them too, and what can you do to help?

Answer 4

1)Realize that you are not alone and your feelings are real and normal for this situation. "We found that children of parents with MS felt more responsibility and obligation than children of healthy parents."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16042231&dopt=Citation
2) Helpful articles you may identify with and will aid in communications with your parents. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/IMSOct02-KidstoParents.asp
3)Counseling and support groups for your parents and kids like yourself; "A good MS self-help group is a place to learn about solutions that have worked for others. A group provides friendship as well. All it takes is a phone call to 1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867) to be connected to the chapter nearest you. " http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NYN/event/event_detail.asp?e=7202

I highly recommend a good local church that offers support and Biblical wisdom for your situation. Real friends will listen to your troubles and let you cry on their shoulder if need be. They will let you be real and still love and accept you and encourage you. God bless and help you and give you strength to face the challenges and become stronger through this.