Hi sandyb and welcome to the forums here.

It does sound like your mom could use professional help... I don't think it is ever too late to start, but although you can encourage it, whether she does or does not get help will be up to her and is not your responsibility.

You don't need any justification to believe this all sits rather heavily on your shoulders. On the plus side I think it is great that you recognize your mother's problem, recognize how it has effected you, and recognize the problems that may arise now that she is alone and living with you.

Don't wait to get professional help for yourself! It definitely sounds as if you will benefit from it and you certainly deserve it. As I said concerning your mom, it is never too late to get help and I think it is great that you are considering this when you are worried about the additional stress rather than waiting until things overload.

Check back if you need advice on finding someone or getting the help you need. You will also find these forums a great place for understanding and support. There is a "Caregiver's Support" forum here that may be of help regarding caring for your mother and the "Depression" forum may help understand your mom's depression in addition to the things you are dealing with. Read and post anywhere you feel comfortable doing so, and I hope you find the members here as helpful and friendly as I have.

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