91 year old mother calls from nursing home multi times daily saying, "I want to die." With regular visits by two adult children she offers the same repeated statement. I understand the feeling and while she's not very mobile, her overall health is not bad. She's on anti-depressants. Any suggestions on how to comfort her?
Be honest. I love you mom but can't say as I blame you. We'd all miss you. Hope you hang around......
Either just ignore her when she says "I want to die" and move onto another subject.... or play along asking her what outfit does she want to wear for her funeral, who should you invite or not invite, what music does she want, etc? Another note, maybe she wants reinsurance that she isn't going to die.
As sad as it is, I think I would be tempted to not answer the phone if she calls many times each day. Does she remember that she talked to you already? If she doesn't, maybe she will not remember that you didn't answer the phone. Having to talk to her often must take all the energy out of your life and worry you half to death.