As a caregiver, especially a parent, I know how challenging it can be to juggle responsibilities while ensuring the well-being of our children. What we often overlook, however, is our own emotional health, which plays a crucial role in the mental well-being of the teens in our lives. At Dawn Holiski Therapy, I focus on supporting not just individuals but entire families, because when we, as caregivers, take care of ourselves, we can better support those who rely on us.
Recent research has highlighted a startling connection: parents and caregivers are struggling with anxiety and depression at rates similar to teens. In fact, according to a 2023 study, around 20% of mothers and 15% of fathers report anxiety or depression—similar to the statistics for teens. This overlap in emotional health is significant because when one member of the family struggles, others often do too. At my practice, I see this firsthand and work with families to ensure that both caregivers and teens receive the care they need (Weissbourd et al., 2023).
How My Mental Health Impacts My Teen
If you’re like me, you care deeply about your teen’s emotional well-being. But sometimes, our own struggles with anxiety or depression can unintentionally affect them. Research shows that teens with anxious or depressed parents are more likely to experience mental health challenges themselves (Weissbourd et al., 2023). For example, depressed parents may find it harder to provide consistent emotional support, and teens may, in turn, feel more anxious or misunderstood. That’s why it’s so important for us as caregivers to address our own mental health. Doing so not only helps us but also creates a healthier environment for our teens to thrive.
Steps I Can Take to Improve My Family's Emotional Health
At Dawn Holiski Therapy, I offer support tailored to both caregivers and teens. Here are some practical steps we can take together to foster healthier dynamics in our families:
Empathetic Listening: Teens often just want to be heard. I help parents develop empathetic listening skills that allow us to connect more deeply with our children. Sometimes, just listening without jumping to fix things can make all the difference (Weissbourd et al., 2023).
Prioritizing Self-Care: As caregivers, it’s easy to put our needs last. I guide parents through stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, and self-care routines that help manage anxiety and depression. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to take care of others (Weissbourd et al., 2023).
Strengthening Communication: Many of the issues I see in therapy come from a disconnect between parents and teens. My sessions are designed to help both parties bridge that gap by fostering open, non-judgmental communication. Together, we can break down barriers and reduce misunderstandings.
Two-Generation Therapy: At my practice, I also focus on supporting families through two-generational therapy. This approach addresses the emotional needs of both caregivers and teens simultaneously, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression for the entire family (Weissbourd et al., 2023).
Why It's Important to Seek Help
I know from personal experience how hard it can be to balance caregiving with mental health. We’re often so focused on our children that we forget to check in with ourselves. But taking care of our mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When we seek help for ourselves, we also help our teens by modeling healthy behaviors and creating a more supportive home environment.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help. At Dawn Holiski Therapy, I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy designed to uplift both you and your family. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more connected family life.
Helpful Resources for Caregivers
Here are some resources that I recommend to help you navigate mental health challenges:
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): Offers extensive information and resources on managing anxiety and depression, including free peer-to-peer support communities.
National Institute of Mental Health: Provides helpful insights into mental health disorders and available treatments.
Jed Foundation Calming Strategies: Calming techniques to help manage stress, which can be useful for both parents and teens.
At Dawn Holiski Therapy, I’m committed to supporting caregivers like you. By focusing on your well-being, we can ensure that you have the emotional resilience to care for your teen. Reach out today, and let’s take the first step together toward a healthier, happier family.
APA Citation:
Weissbourd, R., Batanova, M., Laski, M., McIntyre, J., Torres, E., & Balisciano, N. (2023). Caring for the caregivers: The critical link between parent and teen mental health. Making Caring Common. https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/caring-for-the-caregivers
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