I didn’t ask to be born and I’m done being expected to play caregiver for my mom.

I’m at my breaking point. I live with my mom and the expectation that I’m supposed to be her caregiver—now and in the future—is suffocating me.
I never signed up for this. I didn’t choose to be born, and I’m sick of this "unspoken contract" that I owe her my life just because she raised me. There’s a lot of history here, especially stuff back in 2019 that I’m still pissed about. It’s years of baggage, and instead of moving on and working toward my own goals, I’m stuck here.
Twenty minutes ago she had an accident in the living room because of her meds. Seeing that was a wake-up call. It showed me exactly what my future looks like if I stay: I’d be an unpaid nurse. I’m not doing it. If it’s up to me, she’s going to a nursing home or assisted living. I’m not being her CNA.
Honestly, this whole situation is destroying me. I’m feeling slightly suicidal because I feel like my life is being stolen before I’ve even had a chance to live it. I want out. I want to chase my own dreams, not be a support system for someone who hasn’t made my life any easier.
How do you handle the guilt when you decide you’re done being the "responsible one" and you finally choose your own sanity? I’m just done.

P.S. I don't give a damn if people think I'm ungrateful or a pos for saying this. I didn't ask to be here, and I'm not going to ruin my life just to satisfy someone else's expectations.

Life is too short to for all of this.

Posted Jun 12, 2026, 8:23 PM UTC

1512
Loading comments…