The same thing happened to me! My parents couldn't teach what they didn't know.

@A MyDepressionTeam Member just checked out your story again glad to see all the support. I currently know someone who is 38 and doing exactly what you were. I am so sorry because I know how hard those shit jobs are. That you stuck with them to survive shows great strength and intelligence. I'm not sure if it is still relevant, but you can learn some of these things at any age. If you have an interest I may be able to help and would be happy to, but I would need more info and context. You are very appreciative that folks did their best, you have a positive response and that is compassionate. You can teach people about it, but you cannot make them feel it. You do. That skill is called emotional intelligence in the corporate world. I am sure you have many others -- PAINFUL work takes an incredible work ethic. And you're still thinking! You're quite the go getter! You are curious still. That's initiative in resume speak. Sorry we can't turn back the clock, but if you ever want to view the skills you have through that lens, I'll bet we could make a pretty substantial list. Even if you weren't paid or recognized for them at the time doesn't mean you don't have them, and I would like to make sure you're getting the credit you deserve! Frankly, I think you deserve quite a bit more. I know you can't wrap your head around how it happened, so I would like to suggest a different angle. If we could do anything to fix this and make sure it doesn't continue, what would you recommend? You've lived it and know the potholes, the dead ends, the pain...there are answers in your journey, methinks. Hope you are able to be at peace with this, I'm sending good vibes your way!

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A MyDepre...

Wow glen - how old were u wen the drug use started 4 u if I understand correct u wud have been like 12 ? That's interesting & I wud like to hear more - if u want 2 talk about it ?I'm not trying 2 blame my mom 4 everything that had gone wrong 4 me - but in my case she had a big influence on how things went down 4 me cuz I wasn't thinking about the big pic future for myself - I was focused on making enuf $ to be able to live on my own ASAP cuz I was always independent & desparate to escape from my parents house my Dad & I didn't have a super close relationship he was just not one 4 showing affection & my mom dominated him as well as trying to dominate me - which made me rebel- but it did teach me one thing - how to be a good parent by doing everything opposite to how she had done w/ me & guess wat it worked ! my daughter has respect 4 me & doesn't feel smothered by me & appreciates my style of parenting & tells me her memories of her childhood have been good -especially that she sees how my mom STILL is even today & realizes how I cud have parented- if I lacked self awareness as my mom has been - she can't handle being wrong in any situation - I've always wonder aside from my moms anxiety - wat the hell else is wrong with her & she seems to meet the criteria of a narsacist & maybe borderline personality disorder--sorry 4 rambling about this but it helps 2 get this out ---Glenn sounds like your mom is a blessing 4 u & ur lucky to have that experience w/ her - the good memories will b forever - wishing u well as always 🌈

No one taught me anything important either. I'm 31 and still live at home.

I can relate dear.