Living with my daughter's meltdowns

TNP PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Kelvin Chng

Madam Cheong Eng Kheng's heart races with fear each time her mobile phone rings and a strange number flashes on the screen.

The 62-year-old part-time cleaner says in rapid Cantonese: "What did she do this time? How big is the trouble now? These are the questions that'd run through my mind as I answer the call."

She is referring to her only child - a 30-year-old woman with bipolar disorder - and the latter's condition has made life difficult for both of them.

Heartrending, Madam Cheong admits that she has wanted to end it all by killing her daughter and herself.

Her case highlights the plight of caregivers of bipolar patients.

Doctors also say that people are more likely to recognise the signs and symptoms of the mental illness these days.