Parent mental health

[autumnfire]

Thinking of your mother. What a stressful time for all of you. I'm so sorry your mother is going through this. I really hope she accepts counseling to help her from continuing to repress her feelings. I'm guilty of this and finally had to see someone for this. Be sure to take some time for you as well. Being in a highly stressful situation with the business and health of her may get to you. Just want to be sure you're also taking care of you while being an amazing daughter to your mother.

HUGS! I really hope everything turns out for the best.

[hannahb]

I have no advice but wanted to send good thoughts and prayers your way. Be strong!

[clseale]

I think that at this point, I would take it one day at a time. I've dealt with parent/mental health issues, but it was a very different situation. (It was depression related, I was far younger, and it didn't end well.) I don't think your current situation requires the extreme action that should have been taken in my situation.

I think it's awesome that you're there, and that your step-dad is involved & reaching out to you. It's a good thing that she has multiple people in her corner. I feel like you're in a delicate balance right now of supporting vs pushing. At the moment, I'd continue doing what you are doing; listening, encouraging, trying to make her see that you know she's not crazy & that it's not about that. See how the appointment with her primary care doc goes, and then go from there. It's a good first step, and maybe she'll be more receptive hearing it from someone else. (((hugs)))

[CallingAllAngels]

I don't have any advice. I haven't dealt with this particular issue, but my sister started having a string of panic attacks a few years ago when my mom was overseas. I was her closest family member and it was incredibly frustrating, especially because nothing I did made it any better. Good luck with her doctor appointment this morning. Hugs.

[emuni04]

I'm really sorry.

I have no advice. We are actually going through this right now with my father in law and we are still trying to find our way. Unfortunately, we live 1,000 miles away and we can only do so much. Hugs! I know it sucks.

[clseale]

Jun 5, 2014 17:36:30 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

Thanks for the support and advice.

I think she had an ok day today. We saw her primary care doc and he rx'ed trazodone to help her sleep and take the edge off of the depression and anxiety symptoms. He also asked if she wanted to see a counselor. I was in the room with her and she asked me if she should. I said yes and she agreed to it. She said that she's not crazy, etc. And I was like "Mom, I see a therapist. I'm not crazy." So I think she's feeling some better.

She's just exhausted and in pain and stressed to the max at work (they might have to file chapter 11 for their company and are in the middle of a lawsuit--someone owes them hundreds of thousands--it's ugly). My dad is working like 20 hour days and she keeps freaking that he's going to have a heart attack.

I was also able to find a counselor in town and got her an appt for next week. I'm also going to email the counselor some of the info so he has a bit of backstory on her.

So, a step in the right direction.

This is an awesome update! Definitely sounds like a step in the right direction. She 's lucky to have you. Hang in there!