How to cope living with parents with mental issues if you can't financially support yourself just yet?

[Anonymous]

I live with my parents in the US as an immigrant. It has been around a year since I moved (because I was offered a job) otherwise they would have never allowed me to relocate. They guilt me for the things they did for me e. g. paying for my tuition (which was impossible for ME to pay as I was an international student) and renting out a condo. They also keep reminding me that my mother had me in her womb for 9 months...

My mother in particular in particular has mental issues and is very critical of me (to the extent that she listens on my phone conversations and gives unsolicited feedback). When I get defensive she retorts to screaming and crying accusing me of emotional abuse. She also threatens to tell my dad about the ''emotional abuse'' and returning to Europe. Because anyways she doesn't like to be abroad anyways. She absolutely doesn't give a shit about my career. She is also home all the time so I never get a break.

Unfortunately I have to live with them until I can support myself. The cost of living here is very expensive so I need to work around 1 year to be financially stable.

I go to work everyday and then the library at night to limit contact already. Any other ideas?

[petitedollbabee]

It sounds like you’re already making effort to avoid interaction, so just try to do that more. When you’re home, be a hermit - try to minimise how often you leave your bedroom.


Wear headphones when you do leave the room, to hopefully discourage them from starting conversations with you.