Hi,

It’s so ironic that I would stumble on to your post tonight.  I’m a 46 year old woman and I also have a narcissistic mother / family members.  I’ve decided to walk away.  This decision is currently causing me anxiety and depression.  But in reading your story – I realized that this is not just happening to me.  And I want you to know that this is not just happening to you.  You have to give yourself the care and concern that you’ve given your mother.  You have to put yourself first. Your dreams, emotions, heart, pain matters and is real.  You have a responsibility to you – your beautiful self to say – I am going to heal myself.  It doesn’t make you a bad person or a selfish person.  Taking care of you does not mean that you don’t love your mom.  Start saying – “no”.  Start some self-care.  Get some therapy.  Do this for YOU!  And while I’m imploring you to do this for you – I’m going to do it for myself too.  And I’m not going to worry about what anyone thinks about it.  You’ve got this!  I’ve got this!