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Hello all-
I do not have narcolepsy, but my significant partner's mother does. I want to reach out to all of you to start to understand what she is going through, but more importantly, how to help him cope with her.
She is a diabetic with narcolepsy, who as a result of her conditions, has turned into a recluse. She has no friends and family in the immediate area other than her oldest son, and as a result of her illness, has focused 100% of what little energy she has on him. Please don't think that these are negative thoughts that I have regarding her, I so want her to get the help and quality of life that she deserves. What I fail to understand though, is why she has given up on every aspect of her life, daily living activities, and social interactions in the name of "her disability"... I love her son greatly and can see how much his mother's suffering hurts him. I was raised with the premis of tough love though, and nothing that I can say or do seems to help him in dealing with her.
She cries hysterically to manipulate control and keep him home with her, wakes him at all hours of the early morning (2am) to strike out at him because of her sleeping issues, and uses phrases like "my disability" and "sorry for being your burden" rather than taking accountability for her actions.
I realize that in the end, she has to take ownership of her life, and that she ultimately chooses the quality of her life. I want to help him realize that he doesn't have her disability, and that she can choose her own happiness.
Thank you for hearing me, and I hope that I find wisdom in your experiences.