Seeking Advice on Caring for My Emotionally Immature Mother with Compassion
Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu, I’m a Muslim sister looking for some advice. I’m dealing with moderate to severe depression and can’t afford professional help right now. My mother struggles with emotional immaturity, and I understand why. She’s been through a very tough time-a painful divorce from an abusive husband, difficult in-laws, and relatives who constantly criticize her because they think they know better due to their age and experience. Also, her own parents raised her with a strict, emotionally harsh style, not out of cruelty but as part of our culture’s way of discipline, which has caused trauma passed down through generations. The divorce happened when I was just three. I still visit my dad, who remarried six years later and has four children. Unfortunately, both he and my stepmother treat their kids badly, physically and emotionally. I’m not subject to their treatment because I ‘behave,’ which I believe comes from the way my own parents raised me. I’m currently trying to help my siblings escape that harmful environment by gathering evidence-I don’t want to just watch and do nothing. My mother’s parents live with us, and I notice they still act in ways that are emotionally hurtful, though they probably don’t realize it. This has affected my mother deeply; she often overcompensates and is not appreciated enough for all her effort and care. I feel they favor her brother more, even though she’s more involved in looking after them. I also sense my grandmother has a bit of an unhealthy attachment to her son. All this has led my mother to be emotionally immature in her own way, sometimes emotionally hurtful without meaning to. I don’t blame her for most of it, and I believe she can improve, but it’s hard to explain this to her without causing more pain. So, I’m wondering how to care for and support her gently and wisely, without distancing myself because Islam teaches us kindness and respect towards our parents. I truly care for her and want to handle this situation with patience and love. Jazakum Allahu khair for any advice you can share.