I cannot take iron supplements; they give me terrible headaches.

I was ready to go to the doctor, fearing a brain tumor or aneurysm or something... when I remembered I had just started with a new vitamin, which had iron, and that was the problem.

My point being that absorption issues are rife with iron supplements. Maybe ask if you can try iron rich foods because it is upsetting your stomach... and you already have gastritis!

Sorry to hear about your mother. This is incredible stress and that can derail anyone. Healing will come from better eating habits, I am sure.