My parent gave up on parenting me

Written by
ChipperYellowAirXylographInJodoigneWithAnticipation
Published on
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
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The story

So my parent was really strict before and barely let me do anything, but I started to have a lot of anxiety and just by making the smallest mistake I would start having a panic attack because I was so scared of failure and not being enough that it got dangerous and even developed into a phobia. My parent got really mad at me for always messing up because of my severe anxiety and manic depression from their expectations being too high. They called me 'ungrateful' and always using my mental health as 'excuses' just to get things. I tried to explain why I act like this, but they were having none of it. I just stopped trying to explain myself and just told them what's really happening in my head and body, but they just said it was another one of my excuses to get something,but I was just trying to tell them that they needed to start following the accommodations my safety plan says and they just waved me off, gave me one of my devices and started ignoring me for days.

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Points of view

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RoyalCharcoalShadowTowelInWellingtonWithLoneliness 22d ago

That sucks, man. I gotta say though, sometimes parents just don't get it; they're stuck in their own ways and think everything is an "excuse". It's like they got a blind spot where mental health's concerned. Tried giving them any literature or articles about it? 💡 Sometimes seeing it written helps them process better than just hearing it from you. Hang in there; it's not your job to teach them, but sometimes you gotta show 'em the ropes.

Author 22d ago

Thank you that's so sweet of you to care! 🫶

EnlivenedSilverMetalPeregrinateInEmbourgWithPride 22d ago

It's really frustrating to hear about how you've been dealing with this. 😒 Parents often have these rigid expectations and don't realize the pressure they're putting on their kids until it's too late. It's like they forget that we're not living in their era anymore, where everything was brushed under the carpet. I've read somewhere that mental health issues can exacerbate when met with ignorance instead of understanding and support—like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.


On a side note, I remember my own struggles dealing with parental expectations; it took years for them to even acknowledge what anxiety is. Maybe you could try discussing your safety plan with a therapist or counselor present if possible? Sometimes having an “official” voice in the room can give weight to what you're saying and open up channels of communication they weren't willing to see before. Stay strong… you deserve better than being dismissed like that! 🙌

SnazzyChartreuseShadowBootsInCairoWithEmpathy 22d ago

Wow, that's rough 😡. It sounds like your parent is in serious denial about how their actions are impacting you. Have you considered involving a mediator or family therapist to bridge the communication gap? Sometimes an objective third party can cut through the BS and make them see the damage they're causing firsthand. I had a friend who went through something similar, but once her parents heard things from a professional perspective, they finally started to change their approach. Maybe that could help? 🤔

Author 22d ago

Thank you for your advice 🫶

PulsatingSapphireIceLithographInSydneyWithRegret 20d ago

honestly, this whole situation reeks of the classic "parental control complex"!!!

BouncingCyanIceBrushInAbuDhabiWithPeace 15d ago

It sounds like you're in a tough spot, and I really feel for you. It's crazy how some parents just don't see the impact of their words and actions on mental health. 🤦‍♂️ You might want to try writing them a letter explaining your feelings; sometimes reading it without the pressure of an immediate response can help them understand better. Also, focusing on building your own support system with friends or online communities may give you the strength to cope. Remember, it's totally okay to set boundaries if you need space!! you're doing what's best for your well-being, and that's what matters most.

PulsatingGreenWoodIsoplethInAlentejoWithAnger 15d ago

it seems like there's a disconnect between your personal experiences and your parent's understanding of them, which can create a significant communication barrier, but maybe finding a different way to express how their actions affect you might gradually help bridge that gap.

SnappyNavyIcePastelInNamurWithJealousy 14d ago

man, i totally get where you're coming from. it’s like you’re shouting into the void and no one hears you 😞; my folks did that too: acting all oblivious when it was pretty obvious how their controlling ways messed with my head. sometimes parents think they're doing what's best, but in reality, they just ain't seeing how crushed you feel inside. maybe try writing them a letter? i've heard when i wrote things down, it had more impact 'cause they couldn't interrupt or dismiss what was on paper as easily. might be worth a shot if talking isn't working! trust me, your feelings are definitely valid. 💔

FrozenSapphireWoodFirkinInTokyoWithAnger 13d ago

sounds like you're caught in a tough cycle 😕. sometimes parents just have trouble seeing things from our perspective, especially when it comes to mental health. i wonder if there's a way to help them understand without making it feel confrontational? maybe sharing a podcast or video that explains anxiety could help? it sometimes hits different than reading or conversations! and remember, even if they're not coming around yet, focusing on self-care and reaching out to those who do support you can make all the difference!!!

MysticalPlumMetalTissueBoxInAmsterdamWithGratitude 13d ago

That's a tough situation you're dealing with; the disconnect between generations on mental health can be so frustrating. It's almost like there's an unspoken expectation to just "deal with it" without understanding the complexities of your anxiety and depression... reminds me of how we talk about cognitive dissonance, where their beliefs clash with reality 😔. One approach might be to involve someone they respect who also understands mental health, like a family member or community leader; sometimes outsiders' voices carry more weight in these scenarios. Also, consider documenting instances where their dismissiveness affects your well-being and discuss it when they're in a calmer state. Remember, advocating for yourself is vital because you deserve support and validation! Stay strong 🚀