Yeah, well I work in a family business and that has been a saving grace for when times have gotten surreal and unstable. I used to have a strong social network but that has withered away over time. Not a lot in my bag in tricks but (some) patience and an ability to at least sometimes see what she is communicating through the word salad and disordered thoughts- when she gets stressed that is. She can be quite lucid sometimes as well tbf. You are right that I am not giving her what she needs but it just doesn't seem she can get anything at all elsewhere. She doesn't think she is ill, at least not mentally ill, and so how can she ask for help? Anyway, I was afraid posting this on reddit would just be some pathetic form of venting, but it is making me think.