My mum doesn't want to see me – am I wrong to abandon her? | The Sun

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER years of severe mental health problems, my mother has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and taken into a home.

She’s 85 and I’m 50.

And although I’m relieved because she made everyone’s life hell, I feel guilty.

Mum’s behaviour got more and more bizarre over the past few years.

She had delusions and screaming fits and would phone the police saying my dad, who is 87, was attacking her.

Sometimes, I’d go round to find him cowering in the bathroom.

She was always very controlling and said and did weird things.

Dad was her main victim, but my life was also badly affected. She ruined my childhood.

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Now she’s refusing to see me or my dad and it’s a blessed relief.

But she’s my mother, and I cannot just abandon her, can I?

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SMALL TALK

DEAR DEIDRE

BAD HABITS DIE HARD

DEIDRE SAYS: She is is now safe and getting the help she needs.

Your dad is safe, too. Try not to feel guilty, it sounds like you did all you could to help.

You can find help through the charity Mind (mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393).

I think counselling would also benefit you. My support pack explains how to access this.