How to Respond to Stories from a Mother with Mental Health Issues
Question
Hi,A person whose mother is not normative and tells him about incidents where she was harmed by others, when in fact it is clear to all that she was the one who provoked the other side and interprets things negatively, as part of her mental health issue.How should he respond? Should he just be a supportive and encouraging listener trying to bring peace? Or should he try to show her the positive sides of the other party and where she might be wrong?
Answer
Shalom Rav
It is permissible to listen to her words to ease her condition.
If possible, explain to her calmly why there is no complaint or claim against the other party. However, one should not say: 'you are wrong', rather one should say 'that perhaps it was like this, or like that'.
If it is not possible to correct her thinking, then just listen and remain silent, and share in her sorrow.
Source
Chafetz Chaim, Lashon Hara, Kla'll 10.