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[quote=Anonymous]My mom is kind of like this. My dad used to travel overseas for like a month at a time, and my mom would go stir crazy and start some home redecorating project to keep herself occupied, which was less about redecorating and more about her anxiety.  You have to realize that people that age are of the generation that therapy means they are crazy and there is a stigma attached.  So I doubt she'll want to seek therapy, especially alone! The poor lady, I can imagine her fears. I'm sure she's difficult to be around, but I promise you she's not trying to annoy you on purpose.  Maybe you could suggest she go along with her husband on the trips? Or help her find something constructive to do. She might be having a panic attack or something.  Imagine how lost she'd feel if you turn her away when who else does she have? Not trying to guilt trip you, but it sounds like she needs you guys. I'm sure she's codependent and she needs to learn to take care of herself but your kids are not going to catch what she has.  Try to learn techniques to help calm her down, keep her busy, and ask her to not talk about her fears so much in front of the kids. Reassure her she'll be okay. Is she able to keep in contact with her husband while he is gone?  Also, I bet her sense of self is not good. When he leaves, her sense of self ceases to exist because it's tied up in what she can do for him.  She needs to be around others to feel okay. Maybe she could volunteer somewhere as a good way to keep that sense of self by helping others.[/quote]

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