"Just because someone says it doesn't make it true."
My XAH has been hospitalized for bipolar mania. He was so hateful toward me when I would visit him. The accusations, the grilling, the paranoia.
The reality was that I was holding it together with two tiny (1 and 2 years old) children, no job, a husband in the hospital.
I had to learn not to internalize the hideous things he said about how I was neglecting him and how selfish I was.
I literally pulled the car over on the side of the road because I was sobbing too hard to drive, and I told myself "YOU KNOW WHAT IS TRUE. He is in a mental hospital and you are not. You already KNOW what is true."
I have to say that to myself sometimes still. It's a great reminder. Thank you.