[riksie-dixie]

Is this normal? It's frustrating to me that I end up worrying just as much as my parents about the problems they're facing.

Financial issues... Dad's on worker's comp. for the second time in 2013 - foot got ran over in June, went back to work in October, had an infection and is now out since mid-November. Tomorrow, he goes back to the doctor's to see if they're going to release him.

Problem? His foot's still sore - not sure if there's anything that can be done about it - and his work might lay him off for a short period of time due to the weather (he works in construction, they're outside), which means he might be on unemployment, which is considerably less than his worker's comp. checks, from what I've been hearing. At this point, I'm sort of hoping they will keep him out of work a little longer, at least until winter ends.

My dad will end up stressing out about his unemployment if he does end up laid off, and, in turn, it stresses me out, because he badgers me to get a job, which is kind of hard due to my anxiety levels... I work temp. jobs during my breaks from college. My mom works extremely part-time (2 hrs. / 5 days) and she tries to get more hours when she can, but refuses to find another job with more hours.

Now, how does this lead back to me? Well, I went to the dentist last week (problem with a tooth) and he said I may need a root canal, which costs a LOT to us (no dental insurance), and I'll panic to the extreme if I need it pulled. Doing my FAFSA for college, I do see how much my dad does have, and it should make me feel okay, but I'm still uneasy.

Even if I didn't have to have the root canal, I'd still feel just as stressed about this.

(P.S.: Sorry if this is in the wrong section.)

[gayleggg]

It's not that unusual for us to take on the worries of our families. My daughter is grown and very responsible but if she has any problems and tells me about them I worry non-stop, even though I can't do anything about them.

It is a shame with you being so young to have to take on the worries of your parents. I'm sure part of it is because of the attmosphere in the household that causes it to way so heavily on you. All of us want security and your security is being threatened by your family situation. Try your best to relax and find things to keep you brain occupied on other things. Don't know what to tell you about the root canal, I've had a few and know they are expensive. Have you discussed with your Dad or Mom? Good luck.

[riksie-dixie]

I haven't discussed it with my parents. I mean, the last time I discussed the whole financial situation with my parents was a few months ago, and they just tell me to not be concerned about it.

I'm not sure if I'll need a root canal; I go back to the dentist in three weeks and nothing's been up so far. I really want to tell my parents that I'm willing to pay for it, because I have enough money in my saving's to do so.

I will definitely not be happy with an extraction, though. Cheaper option, sure, but I have my reasons for not wanting one.