hello all,

im in my early 20s, about to leave for college in a few weeks. im worried about my mother who sunk into a state of depression after my step-father passed away a year ago. ik what depression feels like, its such a numb feeling, but after i joined the army when i was 18, i just told myself that everyone feels like this sometimes and to just deal with it like a man (the military has alot of programs to help with these sort of stuff, but thats how i dealt with mine)....and i just want to tell my mom to snap out of it, but i also know its hard. her depression actually pisses me off alot, she would treat the most medial tasks as if its the hardest thing in the world, she would come back from work all beat and lifeless. she's not used to working because my step-father would provide for us. as her son, i'd do anything she asked me to do, take out the trash, clean, do dishes, even cook (because after my step-fathers death, she cooks way less) anything to take some pressure of her shoulders, but i feel like ive come off as a apathetic prick but deep down its hard for me to see her losing herself.

im worried that...when i leave for college, she'd be all alone by herself, and her depression would worsen. ive suggested that she get a cat, just to have someone to take care of and love, but she would brush it away saying its alot of work. what should i do? should i suggest that she get a therapist?

i appreciate any advice you guys can give me.