The kindest thing literature does is remind you that your peculiar little feelings have always existed. Someone, in some century, was equally confused by love, bored by society, tired of performing, and hungry for meaning.
My favorite line from Atomic Habits has been living in my head rent-free:
“It doesn’t make sense to continue wanting something if you’re not willing to do what it takes to get it. If you don’t want to live the lifestyle, then release yourself from the desire. To crave the result but not the process is to guarantee disappointment.”
I say this to my kids all the time. Do it for the plot. Do it for the story. Tell yourself if it all goes wrong it will just be a funny story. Ironically job interviews, dates, and public speaking go better anyway if you're just happy to be there and not overthinking it!!
I do not care if her grievances were based on "unconfirmed" narratives. I do not care if people repeatedly amplify those grievances. All I see is a devastated mother who lost her son on a preventable accident and she's deprived not only of information but dignity and respect.