Her Mom Relies On Her For Absolutely Everything, And It’s Negatively Impacting Her Mental Health
This 29-year-old woman has been diagnosed with anxiety and major depression. But her 51-year-old mom relies on her for absolutely everything, and that’s causing her mental health to tank even further.
Let’s rewind to 2019, her final year of graduate school. She moved back home in order to be able to finish up three unpaid internships. Upon graduation, she intended to move out once again.
In December of that year, her mom’s relationship came to a close due to her mom’s drinking, among other problems.
Her mom got the house they currently live in with her now ex-boyfriend. Her mom has two DUIs and was unable to afford a car after all that went down, so her ex drove her everywhere she needed to be.
When the pandemic rolled around, two of her internships were canceled, and her grandma ended up in the hospital.
She still managed to graduate, but one month later, her grandma sadly passed away, and two months post-grad, she totaled her car and had to use all of the money she had saved to purchase another.
Ever since the pandemic, she’s been the one driving her mom to work, to doctor’s appointments, and to run errands. She’s also been helping her mom pay for all her expenses.
“In the beginning, this was fine. I stayed home due to COVID, grieving, and making a career transition,” she explained.
“My boyfriend is frustrated because we only see each other on weekends, and I’m always stressed from having to help my mom.”
zinkevych – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
“Recently, she lost her job, one that I helped her find just 2 years ago (uncertain if it was due to missed days). I feel like I have to help her at every step, especially with job applications and finding a new place to live as rent is increasing (currently $1,600/month).”
Many homes in their area rent for a minimum of what they’re rent is increasing too, and it’s difficult to find apartments that are open.
If you can find an apartment that’s more affordable in the $1,3000 range, you have to get on a waitlist.
She can’t see how her mom can afford any of these options as a single woman with no income currently.
Adding to this, the job market is intense, and many opportunities her mom could have pay under $20 an hour.
She would love to leave her mom to figure it out on her own, but the guilt is eating her alive.
“I’m frustrated because it feels like she’s relying on me for everything,” she said. “I feel like I can’t move out without helping her and don’t want to leave her to struggle, but at 29, I want to live on my own, be closer to friends and my boyfriend, and move to the city (ATL).”
What advice do you have for her?
You can read the original post on Reddit here.
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