Depression and being around kids

[Kazora]

I recently got informed, that I will soon become an aunt. I love kids, and am happy to provide support and love for the child, but there is a slight problem. I have had depression since childhood, which lead to suicide attempts and self harm. I don’t want to impact the child. What if the little one asks me why I have scars? How should I reply then. I don’t want the kid growing up worrying about his aunt.

[NF1234]

Hi Kazora,

Congratulations on becoming an Aunt. It is great that you will have this child to love in your life. You have awhile firstly before the child starts asking you anything about your scars. When they ask you can share only what you are comfortable sharing. Just continue to work on yourself. I'm sending you good vibes. I also suffer from anxiety and depression and always worrying about what tomorrow holds and I imagine negative things steals my joy. Try to focus on some positive things being a new Aunt will bring to your life.

All the best to you.

[Kazora in reply to NF1234]

Thank you very much for understanding!

[NF1234 in reply to Kazora]

Hi Kazora,

I relate to the stigma you may feel around your condition. I tend to isolate myself because I feel ashamed of my anxiety and depression and how I have no friends. I keep trying to put myself out there and try to connect with people. I do my best to get out of my overthinking head and my comfort zone that keeps me in a box. I'm am routing for you.

[Kazora in reply to NF1234]

Your answer means very much to me, thank you! No one has ever said something like this to me before

[Dolphin14]

Kazora

Very exciting news. Kids are a blessing

Children should be answered as best we can for their age level.

I imagine your first interaction would be something like.... auntie has a boo-boo, or what's that auntie.

It is a healed boo-boo, from there you fill in the blanks,

If you have a therapist this is a great question to ask. You have lots of time to think of how to handle this.

I think it's wonderful you are already thinking ahead to how you are going to be a wonderful aunt

🐬

[Kazora in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words

[wompwomp]

Hey Kazora,

Seeing this could not have been more timely for me! I have a much younger sibling who is 11 and the other day she pointed out my scars because she thought I had accidentally burned myself on the oven and I did NOT know how to respond. It is truly such a difficult topic to navigate because I do not think a little kid should be exposed to the details but I also want to be truthful with her. In the moment I panicked a little but ended up just saying "oh those are scars, they're healed." And luckily that was the end of that conversation!!!

I think it's very appropriate to explain in a *little* more detail once kids are a little older (if they ask again), but for now my vague answer seemed to suffice!

Overall, I would say do not stress over the questions about your scars. Kids are curious, but they're also usually easily satisfied or tempted by a change in subject.

And congrats on becoming an aunt! I have a second nephew on the way too and being the fun aunt is the BEST.

<3

[Kazora]

Thank you! I’ll definitely be the fun aunt