How do I help my best friend escape her controlling mother?

DEAR DEIDRE: HOW do I help my best friend escape her controlling mother?

I’m 26, my friend is 27, and her mum is 56. We’ve been friends since we were young teens after meeting on our street.

Growing up, she was homeschooled and didn’t spend time with any other young people apart from me. 

While I realised her mum was a bit overbearing, it’s only since becoming an adult that I’ve realised how bad things actually are. 

Whether she’s preventing her from having a social life, crying when she doesn't answer the phone, or manipulating and guilt tripping her whenever she tries to leave the house, it’s clear that there’s an issue.

Recently my friend has become more reclusive than ever, and trying to get a text message out of her, never mind see her, is a huge task.

It’s clear her mental health has taken a turn for the worse. I’ve tried my best to support her, but she keeps insisting everything’s fine.

DEIDRE SAYS: It is hard to see our friends suffer. 

Deciding what’s the right thing to do in a situation like this can be stressful, particularly if the person you are concerned about is reluctant to accept support. 

Unfortunately, the most you can do is tell her how much you care for her and offer to help her if she decides she needs it. 

In the meantime, stay in contact with her as much as you can, and hopefully she’ll start to open up eventually.