My mother has been stress-drinking, talking about suicide or her strokes... Dating isn't working out for her, she's neglecting her health... I'm struggling to convince her to just drop everything and start anew. I don't know what else to say...??

Kioyre, you might just start small and suggest that since it's the New Year, she might want to consider starting it off right by scheduling an appointment with her doctor, just so he/she can check and see that everything is as it should be.

If at all possible, you might tell her that you will come along so you can help her remember the things she should ask. I wouldn't nag or anything - just suggest that you've been thinking that you should do the same. Hopefully at the appt, you might be able to say some things like, "Well, Mom, do you remember when you told me that you were worried about your heart? Maybe we should ask about that."

Every woman has the right to free well-woman exams (pap, pelvic, mammogram). If she doesn't have health insurance, do a Google search in your area. There are generally places she can go to have this done. The OB-GYN can tell if she's approaching menopause, check her hormone levels, and even do a blood draw to detect any thyroid issues.

This health exam might detect some underlying problems that have led to her suicidal thoughts or how low she has been feeling.

Don't do a clean sweep in her life - it will make her feel overwhelmed. Start small - like with the health exam - so you can get some answers that will hopefully help her and you. Good luck!