I have a lot of scary intrusive thoughts. They are worse when I'm angry. And, they are worse when I'm mixed. It is definately a time when I just need to stay focused on trying to be calm. Deep breaths, soothing thoughts, get up and go for a walk and remove myself from the situation... anything that will help calm me.

Maybe the first thing to remember is that your mom doesn't understand, and it is possible she never will. My dad had never understood, he never will. He's 75 with a bad heart now, I don't even bother to tell him most things. I stick to happy topics as much as possible. When he starts in to the doom and gloom, I remind myself that is his problem, not mine. It gets easier once you don't have to live together anymore.

Hang in there.