This could be a super long story but I’ll keep it short.
I am looking for advice on how I can help my mum be happy. As someone that also suffers from depression and anxiety myself, I understand this is a process and not a click of the fingers.
Mum, mid 60s, her brother recently died (they talked daily and were very close), she’s estranged with her sister, my dad (her ex husband but they’re close) has terminal cancer so not long left.
She works as an aged carer and hates her job but has to work to live. Lives 60 mins away from me. She’s constantly depressed and bitter about the world. Doesn’t have the energy / will to find things she likes doing / develop friendships / pursue a relationship.
Hell she probably wouldn’t even check in with me if I didn’t call her twice a week.
She’s just not a very nice person to be around / talk to. Has really zero interest in my life, it’s just how her life is in the shits. Just goes around blowing up relationships just because and is very hard-headed. It gives me anxiety, and she’s constantly judging my lifestyle like I’m supposed to be her companion in life or something. Is there anything I can do to guide her to helping herself at all I can do?
My in laws on the other hand have each other / financial freedom / good relationship with their kids and grandkids etc. I’m concerned for her, as she’s obviously depressed and the support my brother and I give her obviously isn’t enough to get her to see happiness in the world again.
Thanks for any thoughts!
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**tl;dr**: Mum is chronically sad. She’s bitter and mad at the way her life turned out. Makes it really hard to want to spend time with her / maintain contact has she brings my world down (also suffer from depression and anxiety). Want to understand how to help her because she won’t help herself.