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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What are your experiences with having depression and anxiety yourself, and now your child had been diagnosed with the same?

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Aurora, CO

I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxiety since I was 17 years old and I am 52 now. That's a long fucking time to be depressed and anxious. Some years have been better than others of course and I am a Christian and strive every day to keep my head up. I was on medication during my pregnancy under doctor's care. My daughter was diagnosed at 13 years of age, 4 years before I was diagnosed in my youth. I am, by NO means, cured. So I was a flawed mother raising my daughter… read more

February 18
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A MyDepressionTeam Member

I understand and I don't know really what to say

February 18
MyDepressionTeam

How does having depression yourself affect your experience parenting a child who's also been diagnosed with depression and anxiety?

First, please know that you are not alone in this experience. A MyDepressionTeam member shared: "Went to my family doctor yesterday. I turned 30 last month and I've never been diagnosed with Show Full Answer

How does having depression yourself affect your experience parenting a child who's also been diagnosed with depression and anxiety?

First, please know that you are not alone in this experience. A MyDepressionTeam member shared: "Went to my family doctor yesterday. I turned 30 last month and I've never been diagnosed with anything other than depression and anxiety." Many parents navigate both their own mental health and their children's.

It's important to understand that genetics play a significant role in depression. Research shows that when a parent has a history of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders, their children are at higher risk. This isn't about being a "flawed mother" — it's about biology and factors beyond your control.

The fact that your daughter was diagnosed earlier than you were actually suggests you may have helped her get support sooner than you received it yourself. That's not harm — that's awareness and advocacy. Living with depression while parenting does present challenges. Parents with depression may struggle to engage with their children at times, and the emotional demands of caregiving can leave little energy for self-care. However, being imperfect doesn't mean you've caused harm.

What matters now is continuing to model healthy coping strategies, seeking appropriate treatment for both yourself and your daughter, and maintaining open communication. Consider working with a mental health professional who can help you navigate these feelings of guilt and establish healthy boundaries with your teen.

Even if mistakes were made, you can still build a trusting and loving relationship with your child. Your awareness of your own struggles may actually help you relate to what she's experiencing in ways other parents cannot.

February 18

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