Parents sharing adult child’s mental health struggles

Posted by bbhealthy1 @bbhealthy1, Aug 2 4:09pm

One adult recent post college child 22-23, has significant mental health challenges that have grown since 15, and trying to seek help( all college friends live away now , struggle to be social , purpose etc), - 22-23 yr old are closed off from other adult son 2 years older. and have significant reservations about the older brother - different views in world etc - (part of illness).

Both live at home for the time -older finishing a higher degree soon.

Should the parent share with older child that there are mental health concerns and we are trying to feign a little patience while help is being sought . It is not anyone’s fault or not much that older bro can do bc younger doesn’t even show acknowledgement - can do for him right now— I can tell older son knows something’s up but there is zero communication.

I wanted to address it akin to “it’s as if he had a car crash and needs help”, or “another health diagnosis and requires some significant help right now”.

I want to let older know, this is NOT personal and need him to continue his own life etc . If/when younger is ready , we hope more can be shared and communicated

Would that be violating some privacy for younger ?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

riverbendab | @riverbendab | Aug 3 11:54am

Personally, I would let his older brother know. It is hard enough for YOU to deal with what is happening with your younger son. Adding the stress of keeping a secret from your older son is just not worth it!

He doesn’t need to do anything, but it is his family and should be kept away n the loop.

That is what family is about. And you will need to have people to support you as you travel through this difficult period.

My thoughts, maybe wrong but I do find having people know, it has helped me a lot.

Thinking of you! Wishing you all the best.