I have a similar situation with my mother, but fortunately her parents took her in after she had to be hospitalized, so she isn't my responsibility yet. The depression must be awful for her, but it's so much easier to deal with than her manias. I feel a little selfish saying so, but only a little, and I'm guessing a lot of people with bipolar parents understand. I just wanted to tell you, Lisa, that you're very brave and obviously very strong. Since I doubt your mother tells you and you really ought to know -- you're doing a good job. Working hard to keep yourself healthy for your sake and the sake of those around you is all that anyone can ask, and you're doing a lot more than that. Don't be afraid. You already know you won't turn out like her. The most valuable lesson my mother taught me was how and why not to become like her, and that was honestly a really valuable lesson and the one thing I have going for me that no one else in my family had. No one can expect you to take care of your mother forever. You're not her mother, and she's not a child. Anyone who understood what you've gone through for her would be proud of you and impressed.