Counselor/Therapist Questions

My mother feels bored and I don't know what to do

Hello, I need your help for my mother mental health.

My mother feels bored and she always says that. I don't know what to do.

I did my best to take her beautiful places buy if we stayed one or two days at home, she feels bored. Her depression and boredom could make her really sad.
Now we are in a new country, I brought her here because our country is not safe. Her friends and family are in her country.
What to do to get her new friends?
What ideas you can help for her mental health?
I am afraid about her.

Female
Complaint duration: One year

7 Answers

Hi, thank you for reaching out. I highly recommend connecting your mother with a mental health provider. If she is located within the United States then she will need to find someone who is licensed for the state she resides in. If she is located in California I have availability for new clients - please visit www.sylvansart.com for more information.
I would encourage your mom to talk to her doctor about feeling down to see if she might be able to start talking to a therapist or potentially take a medication to help with her mood. There are often low cost senior center's that sometimes even offer transportation that you or her could look into as well. Perhaps there's some church or other meet-up groups with folks who speak her native language. Hope this helps!
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's struggles. Here are some brief ideas to help her:

Community Centers: Look for local centers or associations where she can meet people with similar backgrounds.
Language Classes: Enroll her in classes to help her learn the local language and meet new people.
Volunteer: Encourage her to volunteer, which can provide a sense of purpose and community.
Hobbies: Explore hobbies she enjoys to meet like-minded individuals and combat boredom.
Support Groups: Look for groups or counseling services for expatriates or individuals facing similar challenges.
Online Communities: Join online forums where she can connect with others.
Professional Help: Consider seeking professional help if her depression is impacting her daily life.
Interesting and you are so amazing to do this for a parent. Not sure how old she is or you. Many times environment stress, trauma and hormones can play a factor. Is she in menopause, pre or post? It is not your job to make her happy but it is nice to contribute. Happiness comes from within and meditation and prayer. I would suggest she works with her medical provider or obgyn to determine the factors and go from there.
First of all, I want to commend you for recognizing the importance of your mother's mental health and for being proactive in seeking help for her. It's clear that you care deeply for her well-being and want to see her happy and fulfilled.

Moving to a new country can be an incredibly daunting experience, especially for someone who is leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and family. It's understandable that your mother is feeling bored and possibly even isolated in this new environment. But rest assured, there are steps you can take to help her adjust and find a sense of belonging in this new place.

One of the first things you can do is to actively seek out opportunities for your mother to connect with others and make new friends. Depending on the community you are living in, there may be social groups, clubs, or organizations where she can meet like-minded individuals with similar interests. Encouraging her to join community events, classes, or volunteer groups can also provide her with the chance to interact with others and form new connections.

Moreover, it's important to remember that technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family from afar. Help your mother set up video calls with her loved ones back home so that she can maintain those important connections. You can also assist her in exploring online forums or social media groups where she can engage with others who share her background or interests. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

In addition to fostering new connections, it's crucial to address your mother's feelings of boredom and depression by ensuring that she is engaged in meaningful and fulfilling activities. Encourage her to explore her hobbies and interests, or perhaps even take up new ones. Whether it's painting, gardening, cooking, or learning a new language, finding activities that she enjoys can provide her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Encouraging physical activity and exercise can also have a positive impact on her mental health. Going for walks, practicing yoga, or joining a local gym can help boost her mood and alleviate feelings of boredom. Moreover, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lastly, consider seeking professional help if your mother's feelings of boredom and depression persist. There are mental health professionals who specialize in helping individuals adjust to major life changes and overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. Therapy or counseling sessions can provide your mother with a safe space to express her feelings and receive the support and guidance she needs.

It's understandable that you are concerned about your mother's well-being, but remember that you are not alone in this. By taking proactive steps to help her build new connections, engage in meaningful activities, and seek professional support if necessary, you are already making a positive impact on her mental health. Encourage open communication with her and let her know that you are there to support her every step of the way. With time and patience, your mother can find a sense of belonging and happiness in this new country.
Consult a geratric physician to assess her emotional state, and try a senior citizen center for activities. Regards, Dr. Epps
It’s hard to answer this question without knowing the circumstances surrounding her now. Or understanding the possibilities in your area. But you could start by asking what her interests are. What did she always want to do as a young child? What lights her up. And look for small ways that she can begin to incorporate those interests. I would also look for or create a group of women that she can speak with and share concerns interests and desires with. This could open up her world.