Extreme grief, and beyond.

[Sol]

It's been over five months now. Still dread comes over me when the phone rings every other day, I know the mother will be seeking consolation, refusing to let go of her son. I am weary of this burden.... don't want to abbandon, but am growing tired, I can do nothing if they will do nothing but embrace missery. I don't want that, but it seems all they have to hold on to....

You have my full empathy.

I think you might need some distance. I know i would need it.

There is a middle ground between abandoning and being a 24/7 crisis call center operator.

Turn off the phone and do something that YOU enjoy. Walking in the nature? Seeing a movie? Buying a new shirt?

Maybe that way you will gain new energy, and then put the phone back on.

You will be unable to help anyone unless you remember to take care of yourself also. Reserving some time just for yourself is not selfishness, it is YOU caring about YOU.

THIS.

There is a fine line between being supportive of someone and becoming its battery that they suck on daily. Been there, done that. At some point, you have to draw a line.

Fins' got the right answer here. YOU. Recharging is a must. But it's just my opinion, mate. :)

JMHO.