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Looking for advice about my mom's increasingly concerning religious beliefs
I'm posting anonymously because I don't want to embarrass my mom, but I'm genuinely concerned and would appreciate some outside perspectives.
Over the past couple of months, my mom has become increasingly preoccupied with religious and conspiracy-related topics, specifically from facebook. She frequently talks to our family about the rapture, giants and dragons in the earth, doppelgangers, and other things she sees or hears about online. She constantly tells us we need to be prepared, and sometimes says that nothing matters because of what's supposedly coming.
She's also told me that she hopes I don't go to hell because I don't believe what she's telling me. It's upsetting because I feel like I can't disagree with her without religion becoming a source of fear or conflict.
I've noticed that this seems to be getting worse, and I'm starting to wonder whether there's something deeper going on. I'm not trying to diagnose my mom or make fun of her religious beliefs. I'm concerned about how intensely these things are taking over her life and affecting our family.
I've wondered whether this could be religious anxiety, conspiracy thinking, or potentially a mental health issue that deserves professional attention. I know believing in the rapture or having strong religious beliefs doesn't automatically mean someone is mentally ill, which is why I'm trying to understand the situation rather than jump to conclusions.
Has anyone experienced something similar with a family member? How did you handle it? Is there a way to approach someone about these concerns without making them defensive, and what can I do to protect my own peace when I live with them?
I'd really appreciate thoughtful advice from people who've experienced something similar or have some understanding of these situations.
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