Even though you feel like a burden to your mom, as I feel I am with my family and friends (especially my husband) too, they keep reminding me that they help and take care of me because that is what families and friends do. I feel tremendous guilt at times as well, but I try to remind myself that if it were the other way around I would do whatever it takes to be there for my family as well. Feeling guilt is a useless emotion. None of us are intentionally being sick or seeking attention.

People also tend to give advice or say stupid things like it's stress because they want to help and they don't know what else to say. I know they think these comments will make us feel better, when in fact it has the opposite effect. I have become very out spoken lately and started telling people that when Im not feeling well, and I tell you about my issues of the day, I'm just venting. I add that i'm not looking for an answer or advice. If I'm not asking for help I really don't want it. I just want you to listen and not say anything because there's nothing to say. A simple i'm sorry you're going through this is all that needs to be said. I have found this to be a tremendous help, especially with my mother. I have to remind her often that I just want her to listen and not give advice, but being straight forward has helped a lot. I don't know your relationship, but it's worth a shot for you to speak up that it bothers you when she's says things like it's stress.