I think she’s going through major depression and she or the family doesn’t have the money to see a doctor or help her see one. She has life struggles. She used to do drugs and was addicted to them. I know it’s a day to day struggle. But she doesn’t want to do anything. She wants to sleep all day and stay up all night. Also, she got a job and worked for two days then gave up on it. And she doesn’t want to do anything with it. I just want to know how I can help her and know how my family that does see her can help her in the best way.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Worrying about a loved one’s well-being can make you feel anxious and desperate. You are kind for caring and trying to save your mother even though she’s not strong enough to take care of you.
- You may want to consider being more realistic. Think about the pros and cons of helping your mother. For example, do you have the necessary resources to help her? Even if you try would she want help? Would you be wasting your time if you try too hard? If you can’t help your mom maybe she doesn’t want it right now. People need to make the decision to help themselves first.
- One way you can help is to be positive and live your own life the best way possible. If you work towards getting educated this could lead to a better future for you. You can use your intelligence to be a good role model for your mom and others to follow.
- You and your family can suggest in a loving way that your mom get therapy for drug addiction and all of her other issues. She may even qualify for free treatment such as rehabilitation with insurance such as Medicaid. Remember that you can’t force a person to fix themselves. They have to do this on their own.
- If your mom doesn’t know how to accept help at this time don’t lose hope. Sometimes people just have lessons to learn and this can take time and patience.
- You can try learning about drug addiction and other issues because knowledge is power. On the Teen Central website, you can click the Learn tab then Depression and other issues to learn more. You could even consider getting a college education in counseling, psychology or therapy if you enjoy helping people.
- You can do research on free, legitimate hotlines for alcohol addiction, depression and other struggles your mom is going through. She can call them and speak to them but only if she chooses to do so.
- You can keep encouraging your mother to show that you care but don’t forget to live your own life. Know when it’s best to pay attention to someone’s issues and when to leave them alone.
- If your mom’s issues are that bad you may want to get away from her negativity as often as possible. You can focus on homework in your room, join a school group or ask a relative you trust if you can stay with them sometimes.
- In order to ease your frustration, you might need an outlet. You can volunteer for a worthy cause so that you feel like you’re doing some good in the world. Some ways to volunteer include reading to children, fostering a shelter pet or helping the environment.
- Your mom’s behavior is irresponsible. You can focus on becoming more responsible so you don’t go down the same negative path as your mom. You can make an effort to get good grades in school, get a part-time job or simply do chores around the house. Be positive because every effort counts.
- You can get your mind off things and express your feelings in a healthy way by doing creative activities such as listening to music, writing in a journal or drawing pictures.
- You can turn to spirituality in tough times. Head to the Teen Central website and click the Learn tab then Spirituality to learn more. Spiritual techniques that are known to help people are prayer, meditation, yoga and attending church.
- If you need someone to talk to about your mom or any issues she may have caused you, you have the option to see a trusted therapist. You can also go to Teen Central and click the Help tab and call one of the hotlines.
HELP YOURSELF:
- In what ways could focusing on your own education and well-being lead to the best future for you?
- What are some other ways to distract yourself from your mom’s issues?
- How can being positive and possibly more realistic make your life easier to deal with?
- How do you feel about speaking to a therapist/counselor about the stress you’re dealing with during your mom’s situation?
