Poor lady, she (in common with hundreds of thousands if not millions of her peers worldwide) must be climbing the walls.
I think moral fibre can only get you so far. This is a tough generation, but their quality of life has been laid waste by the need (which I don't underestimate) for quarantining, and all the other restrictions, and I'm not sure you have to search much further for an explanation of why your mother's mood might be so up and down. On bad days, I imagine, she's wondering how much more she can take. She would not be alone in this.
I do not know what the answer is. What's the current situation in her area with regard to Covid?
Her area just recently relaxed visitation rules, but since her particular facility has a recent case, it has delayed their opening to visitors. We are working in getting permission for me to visit in her apt where she is more comfortable (have been doing the outdoor bench thing). I just get so anxious anticipating what the next problem will be. I honestly believe medication would help - it did for a period earlier before my dad died - but she stopped taking it. Got busy with him and didn’t take care of herself. She seems not to hear me when I suggest considering it. I have been on something for anxiety/depression for decades and it has helped me tremendously.
Independent part of continuing care facility, on good days is of the mindset that “this too will pass” or “overall I am blessed”. Has ALWAYS been a worrier but much worse now. Cared for aging husband for years and has now been without him for years, was already isolated due to chronic back issue (we have exhausted avenues for help there) and now further isolated bc of COVID. At least she used to see people once a day at meals. Now meals are served in room.
I think moral fibre can only get you so far. This is a tough generation, but their quality of life has been laid waste by the need (which I don't underestimate) for quarantining, and all the other restrictions, and I'm not sure you have to search much further for an explanation of why your mother's mood might be so up and down. On bad days, I imagine, she's wondering how much more she can take. She would not be alone in this.
I do not know what the answer is. What's the current situation in her area with regard to Covid?
When okay (i.e. on good days), what does the parent think about the subjects s/he found upsetting on the last not-good day?
What age, what state of physical health, is this fluctuating mood a recent thing?