Passed on my anxiety/depression genes to my kids

[Toreadisdivine]

Have struggled with anxiety/low self esteem/depression my whole life. Not good at making friends. Now my kids have anxiety/low self esteem/depression. I am working hard at dealing with my mental health struggles better; go to weekly therapy, use coping strategies, etc.

[Hidden]

Me too. Exactly. I feel that I did a bad job as a mother to a now young adult only child—my son has taken after me and I’m worried about him every minute of my life. He is in a dark place, like me, most of the time. I was very selfish to have a child knowing that mental illness runs in my family. So so sad...

[Hidden]

My kids are still so young. I really need to fix myself because I dont want non of them falling into the same situation I'm in now. But I know god has a plan and his plan can only mean good.

[PNIAuthor60 in reply to Hidden]

It's true, God does have a plan and it is usually beyond our comprehension but I am living proof that He is true to His Word in remaining faithful to His promises to never leave us or forsake us.

The circumstances of neglect in my childhood rendered me, unknowingly, to compromised brain function, confusion and periods of disorientation, low grade depression for a lifetime. I've never given up despite the struggle I have to process information because of an average delayed recall of visual and audio information.

I have two sons and yes, it is terribly painful seeing them struggle as well realizing I wasn't able to give them the skills I myself never received but it is never too late. We remain a strong, tight family open and transparent having survived many heartaches.

Please don't drown in regret, we/you are resilient and wise in ways you might not understand. Focus on what you are able to do not what you haven't done in the past.

Keep your eyes and ears open to learning what you need to learn and the doors God will open.

I believe we are all capable of getting better and that journey is a good lesson for our sons and daughters to observe.

[Hidden in reply to PNIAuthor60]

You are strong yes we are🙏🙏

[PNIAuthor60 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, WE ARE!!

[Rick1on1]

I tell my 9 year old son that I am sick but put on a brave facade to not show the struggles I am going through. I dont know how else to deal with my issues not becoming his.

[Dolphin14]

I'm teaching my grand daughter to meditate. I also use my words to teach her she is brave and strong. I don't want her to ever struggle with this. I'm hoping as a grand mother I can teach her things I'm learning, on her level, a lesson for a life time.

If your kids suffer get them help. Teach them to talk about it. If they are old enough to understand, explain a little about the illness and what it makes you feel like.

Knowledge is power. If they know it's not a secret they will know what to do to help themselves when they get older.

[PNIAuthor60 in reply to Dolphin14]

Knowledge applied is also liberating!

Your granddaughter is blessed to have your example!

[Dolphin14 in reply to PNIAuthor60]

Ty

[PNIAuthor60 in reply to Dolphin14]

Your welcome

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

Goodmorning dolphin dont forget your coffee

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Never ever will I forget that QUICH

☕️☕️☕️☕️

Nice to hear from you

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

I'm teaching my kids how to cook rice

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

Oh

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

Lmao

....oh ??...

That's all how about a more

Positive reply

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Bitch please, get on your knees brake me off a peice of that kit kat bar

[Hidden in reply to Dolphin14]

🤣🤣🤣

[Dolphin14 in reply to Hidden]

☕️💕

[Poodie]

I had those same worries about my kids. It can take over your life! Thanks for sharing. I think the best thing I’ve done is to communicate how much i love them and want them to be healthy, happy, giving adults. My kids are older and I try to talk to them openly about my own coping skills and better ones I hope they can gain.

Many of us grew up in bad circumstances. As adults it is up to them. I certainly understand your feelings of guilt and worry. I’ve been there too. Parenting is hard enough especially when they are teens into adulthood. Our whole family struggled. We were able to get some help and they came through fine. They are growing up to be good, responsible people but it was far from smooth sailing.

So hang in there and good luck. Communicate to friends too. I did and I was shocked to find so many parents in the same boat dealing with depression, school problems. addictions, etc. Not everyone’s kids are perfect, go to Ivy League schools, and can sail thru life.

They are what they are and we can still help them despite our depression. Not always will they all respond, but we can try and know we are doing our best to help. That is just what a parent does. And it is hard.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[Gentlespirit]

Please do not be so hard on yourself. You did the best you could. Your getting help and I'm sure that you love your child yet guilt can keep you stuck in your recovery. Please be gentle compassionate and patient with yourself. Things will get better by and by. Just do your part and do what you can. Its a hard struggle I understand but stop berating yourself because that won't help you or your son.

[Gentlespirit]

There are some great books to read about depression and anxiety. Its also important to expand to other books as well. What interests you? Look it up on google and listen to audios or audiobooks or podcasts or find a book or articles that interest you and that will help. Whether its your local library or Thriftbooks or online there are so many resources available. Just reach out tentatively or not and see whats available.