Children's View of a Major Depression Affecting a Parent in the Family

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate, from the children's perspective, the meaning for family life of a parent suffering a major depression disorder. Eight children and young adults were interviewed. Phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis generated two themes: (1) “Being a rescuing observer” with the subthemes, “Being attentive” and “Being considerate,” and (2) “Being a frustrated observer” with the subthemes, “feeling discomfort” and “being out of it.” Children's lives alternate between responsibility and loneliness as they wait for reciprocity in family life to return to normal. Children need support in order to manage their sense of responsibility and loneliness adequately.