LibraryScenariosWhen parents and teens share mental health struggles
Scenario

When parents and teens share mental health struggles

My teenage son and I are both dealing with depression and while I want to model healthy coping for him, some days I can barely manage my own mental health and I worry that my transparency about my struggles might be burdening him or giving him permission to not try. We're in therapy individually but I don't know how to navigate being both his parent and someone who genuinely understands what he's going through.

Patan
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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The traditional parent-child dynamic becomes complex when both people are facing similar internal battles and need support while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with History as pattern recognition?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.