My mom is depressed, please help me help her

Question

And today she said "some days I'm just so depressed that I don't even want to live."

My dad is completely oblivious. He loves her a lot, but she's not so happy with him.

I think it's partly because she can't paint because there's no time or space. So I tried to move the living room around to make room and he got mad at me.

How do I bring this up to my parents? Together? Seperately? My dad doesn't do so well with dealing with things... What do I say?

Answer 1

It's really nice you tried to comfort her. I had the same thing happen to me once. For me, I chose a time where she was alone and talked to her. At first, she just waved me off, saying it's none of my business, but she eventually opened up. I made a list of what was wrong and tried to work it out with her. You should try it too. If she dosen't feel like talking, then I guess you should just try leaving a blank canvas with paint in a large space and just quietly walk out of the house, leave her alone you know? Maybe when you come back, you'll be suprised.

Anyways, good luck, I hope she dosen't have chronic depression.

Oh, and really, DON'T TRY TO GET HER STARTED ON DEPRESSION MEDS,  THOSE ARE A ***** WITH TONS OF NASTY SIDE-EFFECTS, PLUS THEY DON'T HELP AT ALL. In fact, it's more likely to increase the depression. If I were depressed, I'd be even more depressed knowing someone is forcing me to take meds and ruin my body to try to "help" me.

Answer 2

It could be many reasons that she is depressed.  Maybe she feels that your dad is not emotionally supporting her.  Maybe that is why she paints for therepy. She may even feel lonely or distant from your father.  I think that it is great that you are concerned about your moms happiness enough to try to do something.  She may be in a slump right now, but if you keep showing love,concern, and affection, it might make her feel better about any emptiness she may be experiencing. Sometimes couples appear loving in public, but they barely talk in private.  Maybe she really wants her paintings to become a success and she fears failure.  At least let them know that you are concerned.

Answer 3

You should tell your mom how you feel. Tell her that you are worried about her and that you wish she would get some help. If she says she can't afford it, tell her that she can call a mental health clinic, a hospital, or a church and get counseling for free or almost free.

Now that I've said that, It is not your fault that your mother is depressed. In the end, there is nothing you can do about it and it is not your fault. I know that you care about your parents and want your mother to get better but you can't change it if they choose not get her help. Do the best you can and good luck.

Answer 4

As a counselor, I have experience in working on these kind of issues.  It isn't your responsibility to fix this.  No one can fix another person.  You can let your mom know that you are concerned and want to see her get help.  Hopefully she would get help for her own sake and for yours.

Answer 5

well it would be good for her to go to doctor and get checkup and then she what is wrong if she is depressed they can help her with meds to help the situation. and she can start by talking to your dad for them its communication that is all they need and they both need counseling.

Answer 6

Honey... you shouldn't be coming here for advise. I think that you can't fix this situation yourself. All I can say is ask a relative for help...thats the best you can do. Good luck and I hope things between you and your family get better.  

Answer 7

  Depression is a verry serious disease,there are many doctors that treat depression,with medicine.When you are depressed there are a lot of stupid things that you do not under stand.Please tell your dad to get her help before it is to late.I am maniac depressive, but the medicines really do work

Please get her  help as soon as possible.There is nothing to be embarased of.  

Good Luck.