What can be done when a mother’s mental instability is harming her own child?

know of two siblings — the older one is hardworking and responsible, while the younger is said to have ADHD. But here’s the issue: the younger one was never tested or diagnosed. I’ve worked in the field for years, and even friends who’ve met them say the younger child’s behaviour stems more from pampering and bias than from any real condition.

The mother constantly protects the younger one, but takes out her anger on the older one — scolding, shouting, even hitting him to the point that he’s developed PTSD and depression. She blames everyone else, never herself. When it was the older boy’s birthday, she refused to celebrate properly, saying she didn’t want to deal with people she wasn’t on good terms with. This woman seems to clash with anyone who doesn’t buy her stories, and the entire family ends up walking on eggshells around her.

The mother also has a history of psychological issues, which makes things worse. There are serious concerns that her mental instability and distorted imagination are now affecting the older boy and everyone at home. The tension, fear, and guilt she creates are constant.

The older boy once opened up to his teacher about the situation, and the teacher told him to inform her immediately if anything happens again. Just recently, there was another outburst — she screamed that she’d “rather remove both children from existence than sit in this hell hole.” The boy broke down again and went to the teacher.

I’m a third party, but I’m really worried about him. He’s got major exams next year, and this kind of environment will destroy whatever focus or hope he has left. What can be done legally or socially in such a case? Is there any way to protect the child or get intervention before it gets worse?