My mum has the cancer but I'm the one on antidepressants...

My mum is currently having treatment for advanced Melanoma and is doing incredibly well as she is still working. However I feel awful as I'm the one who is on antidepressants and I don't even have the cancer. I feel like such a rubbish daughter as I'm away at university and she's at home, I sould be there with her and supporting her.

Has anyone got any advice on how I can make myself feel better and how I can be there for my mum even though I'm over 100 miles away?

  • Hello there.  Sorry about your mum's illness but it is good that she is doing so well.  Are there others at home who are helping her?  How often do you get to see her?  I am guessing (a) that you are speaking to her on the phone regularly (? Skype) and (b) that she would not want you to break your studies if she is doing as well as you say.  So I guess - if this is the case - that you can do your best to keep up  frequent contact by phone and letter and go by what she would like you to do.  If on the other hand you feel that she needs more frequent visits perhaps you could talk to the appropriate department at your college about this?    Would this make you feel better?  Sorry to ask so many questions but it is difficult to know how things are working out at present.  What would you like to do?