ABSTRACT

Objective Let’s face it, even the best families can be difficult at times, but even more so when parents are emotionally or physically unwell. If something is wrong with Mum or Dad, it can be extremely anxiety provoking for the teenager because parents are still so important in the teenager’s world. This is particularly the case when parents are mentally unwell, as often the teenager doesn’t understand it. Physical disability is often far clearer. So, if a parent’s emotional energy is chaotic or disturbing in some way, the world for the teenager can also feel chaotic or mad. They may also worry about their own sanity at times.

Some teenagers have lived for years with a parent who is emotionally and/or physically unwell. With the former, the parent may suffer from depression, anxiety or problems with anger. They may have an addiction problem or may have never properly grieved a traumatic loss. Others may be letting themselves be abused by a partner or spouse. Others suffered troubled childhoods themselves, so find it very difficult to parent. Consequently, there is a very chaotic family atmosphere with masses of negative emotion in the house, and very high stress levels.