[englishteacher]

I'm so depressed. It's effecting my whole family. I worry about the kids. My dad's depression/alcoholism etc effected my self esteem very badly, am I doing the same thing to my own children? How do I stop? I don't want my kids to grow up confused, or to feel that their needs weren't important, but I can't even take care of myself right now. How can I take care of them?

[JakeSim]

If you don't want to do the same thing to your children, although I'm not sure if you are or not, then just tell your children the situation and how much you care abou them and how you don't want it to get in the way of your parenting and feelings. Tell them that so if you ever feel down, they may notice and maybe they'll try to talk to you about it to make you feel better.

Also, having someone to talk to whether it be a friend, relattive or therapist is always helpful so you can express it and get help.

[englishteacher]

My 18 year old daughter is very aware of what I'm going through and she is supportive, but I worry about what it might be doing to her. She is very reclusive, always has been. Is that my fault? I don't know. She doesn't trust people. I can't say that I blame her.

My 10 year old son - I don't know. He's well, a problem. My husband and I have had issues with him since he started school - constantly in trouble, been tested for ADD/ADHD twice, talks back, argues, bargains...the list goes on. I don't know what to do with him. As I said, I'm messed up...

Hello, englishteacher.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sel...9/METHOD=print

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Hug your children and tell them they are lovable and important people.