Dear Saoirse

I am sorry that your childhood was blighted by your mothers illness.

It is okay for you to keep your distance, no-one (society) who knows even a little of the situation would not blame you for this wise decision.  If you do decide to meet up with your mother and bring your daughter along a practical solution would be to meet up in a park so that your child could play  and being outside somehow feels less suffocating and easier to walk away if things get toxic.

All Tee’s advice is excellent especially about giving up expectations of things to change from your mothers side.

It appears that your mother may find it hard to deal with her past actions and their effects on you and or memory issues. You could write her a letter  gently explaining why you are uncomfortable about having contact, keep a master copy that you can re photocopy as and when necessary.  If you choose to write to her do so when you are feeling calm( your best possible self) then put it away for a couple of days then re read it as if you were looking at it  as if a friend was writing to her mother. then edit if necessary.

You may also need professional help with releasing the burden of your childhood and the on going anxiety it has caused.