How do I respond to my mom when she yells at everyone and complains about everyone?

What are your mother's impairments that she is living with you? There are things that can be done. If she doesn't have dementia or Alzhiemer's, when she starts up with the yelling, let her know that if she wants to stay where she is, she is going to have to shut up. No complaining, she can't be critical, no yelling. She must be polite and nice, you can tell her that she might be old but it doesn't give her a pass to be hateful and complaining. But not matter what, you have the option of moving her out of your house.

I’m new here. I don’t know what the answer is, but I sure can relate to what you’re listening to. My mother, 96, still living alone in a senior apartment home (not assisted) is the same way. She always HAS been like this, and it’s only exaggerated now that she’s slipping into dementia. She makes up stories about everyone. The nice woman who moved in next door to her gave my mother her phone number in case she ever needs help, told her to knock on the wall if she can’t get to the phone, etc. Yet, because she wore one pair of shorts that my mother thought was too short, and one dress that was too tight, my mother is convinced the woman is a prostitute! She also hates the nice woman from down the hall and the one upstairs who check on her well being often because one “knows it all” and the other “talks too much.” There’s a lovely woman who is “too loud” and she thinks another is crank calling her (it’s probably telemarketers). It’s not as easy as people seem to think it is to just say, “I don’t want to hear it!” I tried that and Mom had a fit, got mad, started yelling at me, dredging up stuff from my childhood! It was ridiculous. She is old, has a little bit of dementia, and is scared, but she doesn’t see herself as mean, nasty, obnoxious, cruel, etc. She just plain does not see it. There is nothing wrong with her. So, I got myself a therapist and it has helped. He has helped me to understand that she is a control freak and feels out of control now, that she feels less and less like she “fits in,” and she’s very scared when things happen like she can’t find the coffee, her keys, etc. Therapy does help!

Ashley,
Can you explain to the caregivers what you mean by overdosing?

Can you just step outside when your Mom starts up? Walk away saying "I don't want to hear it!".

Her brain is broken, and fixated on very negative things. Sorry that you are dealing with this. It may help to vent here, keep talking.

Did you know that if you text 741741 when you are feeling depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker will TEXT with you? Many people don't like talking on the phone and would feel more comfortable texting. It's a free service run by The Crisis Text Hotline. Please let us know how you're doing. And please tell us more about your situation. Does mom live with you? How old is she and what is her/your situation? Do you have siblings or family nearby? Does mom live at your house or do you live at hers? Information like that will help us give you better answers. {{{Hugs}}} We're here for you.

Ashley you are in a serious and dangerous situation. Seek immediate help through a suicide hot line. You are at the end of your rope.
Dealing with Mom's negativity can wait for another day.
You need the help today, NOW.
Pick up the phone and call 911 if you have to. overdosing is not to be trifled with and soe drugs will cause permanent damage to your body assuming you survive.

Get an Ipod and wear it - turn it on and tell her 'oh sorry - can't hear a thing you're saying.' And keep those ear phones on whenever she starts. I know exactly what you are dealing with and it gets so tiresome.

This sounds like a very difficult situation and it sounds as though she is beyond reasoning with. All you can do to stay sane in the situation is to just say "yes Mom"... See a doctor/counsellor for your own sanity and wellbeing.