I think it is harder for previous generations to accept mental illness because of the stigmatisms previously associated with it and lack of treatment for. I think it is especially hard for a parent to accept that there is something "wrong" with their child, both because they usually like to believe that their child is better than others and it can feel like a reflection on them. Also if they have illness that they have managed throughout their life they may be in denial that a problem exists and expect you/ the child to be able - and willing- to do the same because it is their normal. Over the last 10 years and especially the last 2 I have become aware of how much of problem mental illness is in my family. They are "good, hardworking" people for the most part but quite dysfunctional individually and as a family- myself included. As a parent myself now I feel conflicted and at times compelled to get myself under control, scared that my child may have the same problems that I do, and wanting to be the best me I can be in order to be more helpful to my child. I sometimes hate myself because I feel myself being like my mother... who at the same time I love and admire for all she has done and gone through an loathe for her behaviors. I sometimes want to blame her for allowing me to do some of the things I did as a youth but that is all it is... blame. I recognize now that she struggles with mental illness and she really did the very best that she could for me. I am not trying to excuse neglect just sharing the thought journey of my experience.