What can I do...to help

[Lizavmendoz]

My mom has anxiety/depression and I can trying to figure out how I can help. She has had this in the past and now its back. A few years back when she had this she was going to a one-on-one theraphy session and was taking medication. I am trying to find a support group for myself to understand what my mom is going through and how to help her through this. I want to know the do's and don'ts as what I might think would be helpful could totally be wrong.

[No1wthayla]

Liza, I'm a mom with depression and anxiety and I have a daughter who is 25. She lives with me but she doesn't really help my depression. I wish she would cook dinner more often. Not complain about doing dishes or taking out the trash. Maybe she could just sit and talk to me more? I don't think it's possible for her to pull me up completely but an inch at a time could be more satisfying anyway. Just be there to listen if she needs. Do unexpected things that make her smile. Maybe get her to laugh. I think you should tell her you want to help with her depression. Or ask her to describe what is bothering her the most. A hug every now and then doesn't hurt either. Good luck. Post again if you need to. Prayers and hugs.

[Lizavmendoz in reply to No1wthayla]

Thank you for the advice.. I'm trying to Google if there are support groups in our area however am just going in circles

[No1wthayla in reply to Lizavmendoz]

Maybe she would be interested in using this forum? I've found it really helpful lately. It's nice to know that there are lots of people suffering from the same things. And trying to help others seems to make my life have more meaning.

[Lizavmendoz in reply to No1wthayla]

Yea that wouldn't be a bad idea at all!! Thanks 😊

[kittenkisses91]

I find that having my family just reach out to me and call me or invite me to do things really helps. Having my mom and sister call me everyday to see how I'm doing really makes me feel cared for. I find that I want to talk about how I'm feeling and what I am anxious about because then they can help alleviate my fears. My sister has invited me to a yoga class tomorrow which I am excited for, since it is supposed to help with depression and anxiety.

[Lizavmendoz in reply to kittenkisses91]

Thanks...maybe I will set up one day a week to do something with her. I'll have my other two sisters do the same.

[SuZQ154]

First, you are so compassionate and loving toward your mom, and that is wonderful. Nonetheless, helping your mom through her mental health issues can effect your own mental, physical, and spiritual health. How are you taking care of yourself? Have you considered a gym membership, counseling, or a Bible study? Sometimes, we have to prioritize so that we remain healthy. Praying for you to find a solution for your mom and for you to continue to move forward yourself in a healthy way. Blessings.

[Redpepper73]

You are obviously a very caring person. It's good that you are looking for a support group for yourself because you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Remember that you are not responsible for your mother's depression and it isn't your job to fix it.

Show an interest in her and spend some time doing things together. You can fold laundry or watch television together. Small things like telling her that something reminded you of her today. My children are grown and on their own, but I appreciate getting texts about random minor things that happen in their lives. That can bring me out of a depression spiral that they don't even know I'm in.

[JW621]

Is she getting treatment now?