Teresa Green,
In the 1950's a lady I know had a mother who was "feeling out of sorts". She was locked in a mental institution for 11 years. In hindsight she was suffering from post natal depression after the birth of her 4th child. My friend became the matriarch of the family and raised 3 young children from when she was 10 years old.
Toughen up Princess ain't what it used to be thankfully.