Will this upheaval ever settle? : insights into the experiences and coping strategies of young people living with a parent affected by depression

Abstract

This study explores the experiences and coping strategies adopted by young people who are living or lived with a parent affected by depression. A qualitative technique was used to gain a deeper insight about this subject. Six young adults aged between 18 to 29 years took part in this research and their experiences were explored through semi-structured interviews. This work presents literature about depressive disorders and how symptoms change the behaviour of mentally-ill parents towards their children. Additionally, this research explains how young cohabitants with a depressed parent are influenced emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially. The data collected was analysed through thematic analysis. Seven superordinate themes resulted from this analysis. These are An Unfamiliar Experience, Chaotic Family Environment, Role Adaptation, “Missing Out”, Seeking a Healthy Environment, Information the Way Forward and Expectations from Professionals. Offspring of depressed parents have to take on new care-giving responsibilities, face conflict within the family and deal with their personal problems as well as deal with the burden and stress the parent’s illness brings about. The last part of the research will focus on recommendations that could help these children, such as having supportive services, information about their parents’ mental-illness, and a positive environment.