Empathy: Helping your mother when she has blatantly refused to help herself.

It can be difficult and frustrating to watch someone you care about refuse to help themselves. However, there are a few things you can do to support your mother without forcing her to change.

1. Express your concerns: Schedule a time to speak to your mother, and express your concerns about her actions. Be compassionate and respectful, and let her know that you are coming from a place of love and concern.

2. Provide emotional support: Let your mother know that you are there for her and willing to listen. Often, people refuse to help themselves because they feel overwhelmed or alone. Offer to be a sounding board and encourage her to talk about her feelings.

3. Ask how you can help: Your mother may have specific reasons for not helping herself - financial difficulties, fear of judgment, or other barriers. Ask her how you can support her in overcoming those obstacles.

4. Offer practical support: Depending on your mother's situation, there may be practical ways to support her. This could include helping with household chores or providing transportation to appointments.

5. Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries to ensure that you are taking care of yourself while supporting your mother. This could include limiting the amount of time you spend talking about her situation or seeking support from a therapist or support group.

Remember, ultimately, it is up to your mother to make changes in her life. While you can offer support and encouragement, it is not your responsibility to change her.