How can I help my mom?

Question

My mom broke down and cried a week ago about her severe depression and her possible bipolar disorder. I want to help her, but I don't know how. She said things that were so scary, like she doesn't know what she might do, hurt herself or us. I don't know what to do. I cant force her, I;m 18 and she's 45. Anything would be appreciated. I just need some idea.

Answer 1

When you said you can't force her, do you mean that she won't get medical help for her illness? Tell her that you know that if she had a physical illness she would go to get medical help and that it is no different to need help treating an illness such as depression. Remind her that millions of people are dealing with both depression and bi-polar depression, that she is not alone, that there are many effective medications and therapies that could have her feeling much better if she gives them a chance and most people will feel normal in time. Like an illness like diabetes, it requires some perserverence to find out what works best for your particular body chemistry. If she is on meds, tell her they do take time to work. Try to be calm when you talk to her, remind her of your love and concern for her, reassure her that she will get better. Tell her you need her to be honest about her feelings, let her talk, talk, talk out how she feels if she wants to. Put your arms around her and rub her back if she'll let you.
She may not want to go out but try your best to gently encourage her to go out with you for a snack, a walk, a movie. These things will help to normalize her days and help her feel better. If she has lost her appetite, tempt her with anything she can get down, even something like Ensure until she can eat. Sometimes she might not want something, but if you fix it she will eat it. Sit down with her and have herbal tea and if she spends too much time alone in her room go in and sit with her, encourage her to move onto the couch and watch some TV with you. If you feel things are not improving or worsening, talk to another adult she trusts and ask them to assist as well. It is so hard to be in your position. My heart goes out to you and I commend you for being such a caring daughter - just what your Mom needs most to help her get through this rough time.

Answer 2

Dont worry, most mums feel like that .... a lot
The best thing a person can do is avoid yeast bread, it is so depressing and confusing to the brain & can grow a horrible fungus in the body. There is Olive leaf tea or extract, Golden Seal herb formula or Vita Klenz, these things help to kill the depressing yeast fungus. & parasites too. Look up yeast infection.
A cup or two of Sage and Rosemary tea does wonders and kelp tablets or seaweed for zinc
Avoid eating pig meat or strange meats. Organic chicken / duck / turkey / fish / lamb / venison may be ok, but raw nuts and salads would be best until she feels better and the herbs get rid of the yeast.
Its important to pH balance the body, lots of FRESH greens OR FRESH fruit juice.(not together) iTS GOT to be fresh otherwise it makes more acid and your mum would feel worse.
St Johns Wort, Evening Primrose oil with Fish oil will help a lot too.
A Homeopath or Kinesiologist would be great for reducing stress and bipolar
Try to help her avoid bleach (in cleaning), swimming in pools, tap water, spas, long baths as these have chlorine, which does ghastly things to our brains.
Does she have metal fillings in her teeth? That can cause brain confusion, try to get non metal non mercury fillings.
It is important for her to use herbal / organic shampoo, personal products and dish detergent too, as chemicals make the brain crazy.
Pets & animals have so many parasites, sometimes they get in the human brain and can cause depression etc etc etc
Pets should have the herbal worm killers too, or give them away. Your mums health is more important

Answer 3

A Physician's decision along with a counselor's would be greatly appreciated. Other than that keep her in your thoughts/prayers. She is older but she does not see the world properly with these mental problems. Watch carefully and do as much as you can to be a good daughter and in some cases a good friend. Make absolutely sure that she is not contemplating suicide, if she is then only a Psychologist or Psychiatrist will be able to help effectivly.

Answer 4

Try and get your mom to see a doctor...and advise her that for all of your sakes, she needs to get help...You are right, there is no way to force her...

IF you think she might do something drastic, you need to get someplace safe...if you think for a minute she is going to hurt herself or any of you, you need to call 911 right away!

Just be there for her but let her know that you can only do so much...

She is the parent, you are the child and she needs to get better to be able to take good care of herself and everyone else...

I hope everything gets better for all of you...

Answer 5

Depression can be very serious. Sometimes you need help to pull you out of your depression. Your mother needs to go to a doctor and get medication for her depression. It's very important to her to know that you are there for her. All you can really do is just let her know that you love and care for her.

Answer 6

If you ever feel as though your mother is suicidal, contact the police. They can take her to the emergency room to be evaluated. Offer to go with her.

If your mother isn't suicidal or in counseling or taking medication, encourage her to see her doctor for a referral. If money is a problem, she can still get quality mental health care. Contact your state's health department for options.

Answer 7

This is a serious matter. Your mother needs professional help. Perhaps a close friend or family member can persuade her to seek the help she needs. Also, please discuss this matter with your clergyman and family doctor, both to help your mother and also to help you to deal with this situation. In addition, contact your local mental health professional organizations for information on support groups that may be helpful to you.

Answer 8

I would encourage you to read up on your mother's disorder so that you understand it.

Be loving to her. Encourage her to get to her counseling appointments and encourage her to take her medications.
There will be times when she is like the child and you are like the adult. She might need you to kindly step in and take her hand and say....."mom I love you...lets get you to your appointment"

She is fortunate to have you on her side.

Answer 9

I would suggest seeking counseling for her. Because their is nothing a teenager could do in a case like this she needs professional help.

Answer 10

sorry to here that, i wish i knew what to tell you

sounds like she needs professional help, check if your insurance covers it.