[bmwenthusiast]

I'm not sure if anybody will even see this, but any help is appreciated. My mom has changed recently. She has become more paranoid and has taken up bad habits such as always needing to use a toothpick, chewing gum with her mouth open, etc. I'm worried because she will break down over the stupidest things like a joke that wasn't even about her or not being included in a conversation saying she is the 'bad guy' in the family. It is really annoying but I do care about her and I don't know what's bothering her. Her job is always making her stressed and on vacation, she didn't do anything but nag and take pictures of everything. When she was offered to get a massage, she refused because she thought they were being pushy and got mad, blaming us for trying to 'get rid of her'. I'm really just worried about her because her two sisters are nothing like her anymore and are funny and stress-free and she's lost her touch. The jokes she makes are sarcastic or just not funny and she isn't very good at starting conversations with us without making us feel really bad. Someone please help, I am only trying to look out for my mom.

[Piraeus]

It's great that you are watching out for your mom. I do the same thing with mine.
I have paranoid schizophrenia and it seems my mom is getting paranoid being around me. I have been trying to keep silent about my paranoid ideas when I am around her.
I help her as much as I can. Sometimes I am not so helpful, and that makes her mad.

I really believe my mom is bipolar. She has up's and down's every day. I tried to convince her to see a pdoc. She will not have anything to do with it. I don't know what else to do. I'm sorry if I have not been much help to you. All I can say is to grow with the changes.Even if it seems difficult.

Sincerely,

Piraeus

[Jenny29]

it cud just be a phase she is going through, just let her know you love her and be supportive, thats all you can do, she might just be stressed or going through a phase.

[anneo59]

Hi bmwenthusiast, I can really appreciate your concern for Mom, and also really like the comments made to you by Piraeus and Jenny29. And yes, for many folks, mid-life brings its own unique challenges, and some don't sail thru it quite as smoothly. I'd say continue to watch her, support her, help her and yourself, consult professionals if need be, friends and other fam if desirable, and consider comments on the board. Explore some of the material here on PC that may be relevant as you have time. I wish you and your Mom the best! From one Mom whose children have worried about her before!!!!

[hamster-bamster]

It does not sound like a mid-life crisis.

I think she needs to see both a psychiatrist, in re possible mental illness, and a neurologist, in re possible early cognitive decline.