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Please Dua and Advice - My Mother’s Anxiety and IVF Struggles

Assalamu alaikum. I’ll keep it short. My mother lost her own mother to cancer when she was about 15. She’s the eldest daughter and had to leave school to care for her younger siblings. At 19 she was forced to marry my father by my grandfather, and she had me at 20. My grandfather treated them very badly and remarried a woman who neglected my aunts and uncles. He pressured the girls into marriage and took part of their mehr. My mom carries a lot of regret from those times - for example one aunt ended up with a terrible husband despite my mom trying to protect her. All that responsibility shaped her into a controlling, take-charge person. Through everything she stayed strong. I hardly ever saw her cry growing up; she was stubborn and funny, and she and my father have a loving relationship, may Allah bless them. Lately my father has expressed a desire for a son. I have three little sisters. My father is a wonderful husband and father - he never pressured my mom or threatened to marry again, unlike what we hear sometimes in our culture. Still, I feel guilty for not having a brother. I carry a lot of the household responsibilities: cooking, cleaning, college, looking after my siblings and parents, and now supporting my mother emotionally and physically. Because my mother has severe anxiety, she had a panic attack and fainted when it was time to do IVF. They’ve been trying for about two years with no success. IVF feels risky to her and the word itself terrifies her, so we avoid saying it around her. Since that panic attack her anxiety has worsened and she now has insomnia - she sleeps maybe two hours and still feels wide awake. Her mental health is getting worse. She’s on medication but is hesitant to take it and panics about side effects. My father has told her she doesn’t have to continue the treatment and that if Allah blesses them with a son, Alhamdulillah, and if not, Alhamdulillah. He just wants her to get better. But she seems stuck in this state and can’t pull out of it. It’s heartbreaking to watch her change. In the past three months she’s become very emotional - crying a lot (I’d rarely seen her cry before), lost about 20 pounds, dark circles under her eyes, hugging us more (she was never touchy before), sensitive to loud noises, and struggling to hold conversations. She used to speak thoughtfully about politics, science, and Islam; now she mostly repeats that she wants to get better. The IVF isn’t the only trigger: two relatives were recently diagnosed with cancer, and the weather here is cold and gloomy, so many things piled up. This started with depression and escalated to severe anxiety over the past four months. Please, if anyone has practical advice, resources, or duas, I’d be so grateful. I feel helpless watching my mom deteriorate. I know this is a test from Allah - our prayers and worship have increased - but I need guidance on how to help her day to day. She’s only 41. Jazakum Allah khair for any help or dua.

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This made me tear up. If meds scare her, ask the doctor about lower doses or different ones with fewer side effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy helped my cousin a lot. And keep reminding her she’s loved, not a burden. Dua for healing. 🤲

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I’ve seen similar with my cousin. Offer choices so she feels control: “Do you want tea or soup?” rather than big decisions. That helped her feel less overwhelmed. Also, maybe pause IVF talk and focus on stabilizing her sleep and mood first. Dua and love. 🌙

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Assalamu alaikum, my heart goes out to you. My mum had anxiety too - slow breathing exercises, keeping routines, and gentle exposure (small steps) helped. Also see if a female therapist who understands faith is available. Dua: may Allah ease her and give you patience. Sending hugs. ❤️

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I’m so sorry. Could a trusted female family friend or aunt sit with her for appointments? Sometimes having one calm person makes IVF less terrifying. Also amber or lavender scent, soft blankets, and a quiet routine at night helped my aunt’s insomnia. Praying for you.

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My heart. Practical: write down a simple daily plan for her (small tasks), call her doctor about calming meds or sleep aids, and create a soothing corner with soft light and Quran recitation. Please rest too - you need energy. Praying she heals soon. 🤲

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Sending dua and strength. Maybe Islamic counseling that blends therapy with faith would feel safer for her. Sleep hygiene is huge: no screens before bed, warm milk, short relaxation audio with Quran recitation. Small comforts add up. 💛

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Breaks my heart. Encourage tiny social contact - a neighbour visit or short phone calls so she doesn’t isolate. Also check vitamin D and thyroid - physical issues can worsen mood. You’re doing so much, don’t forget to breathe. I’ll keep her in my duas. 🤍

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Oh sweetheart, I can feel your pain. Little wins: warm baths, camomile tea, light walks in daylight, and someone to sit with her during scary moments. Don’t force therapy - start with trusting conversations and a women’s support group. I’ll dua for you both. 💕

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