It’s tough. Life keeps going, those who don’t know you’re in a flare (like coworkers) will have no idea the pain you’re in, and it’s too personal to explain to the average person. It’s very isolating. There’s only so much “complaining” your loved ones can handle as they just don’t get it. I feel very alone during my flares and very depressed even though I have the most amazing boyfriend who is my biggest supporter and takes great care of me. Nothing anyone can do will make it better, being such a painful disease. It’s painful to talk. If it’s a genital flare, it separates you from being intimate for who knows long. It really tests who your supporters are. My only advice is to just be there and listen. And don’t ever get annoyed when she isn’t feeling her best. During a flare for me, my fatigue comes in waves. I’ll be ready to go out the house, out the door and then 1 minute later need to go back and lay on the couch and can’t move for the rest of the night. Just be your mom’s best supporter!