Family and parenthood

Family conflict, toxic parents, estrangement, domestic violence, infertility, postpartum depression and parental burnout.

• Domestic violenceDomestic violence, also called domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain or keep power and control over a partner, ex-partner or family member. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial, and it doesn't always leave visible marks. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 in the US or your local emergency number now.
• Family estrangementFamily estrangement is the loss of a relationship with one or more family members, usually because one or both sides choose to reduce or end contact. It can involve parents, adult children, siblings or extended family. Estrangement is often painful and complex, and support can help whether you hope to reconcile or need to heal and move forward.
• Infertility and mental healthInfertility depression refers to the low mood, sadness and hopelessness that many people experience while struggling to conceive. Infertility can bring stress, anxiety, grief and strain on relationships, especially during treatments such as IVF. These reactions are understandable, and emotional support can make the journey more manageable.
• Parental burnoutParental burnout is a state of intense physical and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term parenting stress without enough resources to cope. Parents feel drained, emotionally distant from their children and unlike the parent they want to be. It's not a sign of failure or a lack of love, and it can improve with support and changes.
• Postpartum depressionPostpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is depression that develops during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. It's more intense and longer lasting than the baby blues and can make it hard to care for yourself and your baby. PPD is common, it's not your fault, and it's treatable.
• Toxic parentsToxic parents is a popular term for parents whose behavior consistently causes emotional harm to their children, through criticism, control, manipulation, neglect or abuse. It isn't a clinical diagnosis, but it describes a real and painful experience. Understanding these patterns can help adult children set boundaries, heal and build healthier relationships.