Hi, this is my first time posting on here but I am not sure where else to go.
I am looking for some advice on hadlinging emotional issues with a depressed/ lonely Mother.
She’s quite young (55) and has struggled with diagnosed bi-polar, depression, PTSD and other issues stemming from her childhood all of her life.
When growing up I remember her having periods of high energy and periods of low deep depression. However recently she has been stuck in a deep depression for about 2 years after my dad left about 10 years ago and her second long term relationship ended due to alcoholism and abuse.
She has had a tough time at work and money (moving from job to job just to keep by) and has an extremely creative mind/ masters in religious studies but she is living a life that she clearly doesn’t enjoy. She has lost touch with all of her good friends/ family and does not do the things that make her happy (writing, painting).
My older sister doesn’t talk to her due to issues from the past and my older brother has moved to New Zealand and had a baby (that we unfortunately can’t afford to see) and I think this is really getting to her.
Not to be selfish but I think it is taking its toll on me too. I feel guilty about not being able to spend too much time with her and I’m due to move away in a few months but I’m thinking of staying to make sure she’s ok! I honestly feel that out of all of my family I am the only one who truly cares about her. But, this is also stifling and creating an unhealthy attachment issue.
i would really appreciate some advice in terms of helping her with her depression/ dealing with the situation on my part.