Anxiety and Depression Impact Family Dynamics: A Personal Account

In a letter to advice columnist Dear Abby, a Texas mother expresses her frustration with her 20-year-old son, who works full time but contributes nothing to household expenses or chores. The son, who struggles with anxiety and depression, has taken to self-medicating with marijuana, believing it helps him cope.

His mother reveals that despite previously agreeing to pay his car insurance, he has yet to fulfill any financial obligations in the home since moving in his girlfriend and their dog without permission.

When the topic of responsibility is raised, it often leads to explosive arguments, including him punching walls. The mother is torn between wanting to support her son and the need for him to take responsibility for his life.

In her plea, she asks how to approach the situation without escalating tensions. Dear Abby advises that if they want their son to assume responsibility, they must assert themselves and set a deadline for him to find his own place.

She also warns that unless he has a prescription, his marijuana use is illegal in Texas, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s struggles. This account highlights the significant impacts of anxiety and depression not only on individuals but also on their family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in addressing mental health issues within families, according to the Staten Island Advance.