On 11/12, a 20-year-old woman was admitted to E Hospital with severe depression, exhibiting symptoms like prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. Doctor Nguyen Viet Chung, Head of the Mental Health Department, identified the root cause as her mother's untreated psychological trauma. For three years, the mother, who refused professional help for her clear signs of depression, continuously burdened her daughter with her pain through daily phone calls.
Doctor Chung explained that the mother's statements, such as "I have no one else to talk to" or "You are my only support," inadvertently created immense psychological pressure. He noted the young woman had become a victim of "negative emotional contagion." At 20, still developing psychologically, her role as her mother's emotional pillar overwhelmed her, leading to guilt and self-reproach. She is currently undergoing treatment with medication and psychotherapy.
According to experts, parents who fail to resolve their own traumas and unconsciously transfer that burden to their children risk severe consequences. Children face emotional overload, guilt, and direct physical health impacts, including insomnia and nervous exhaustion. Over time, constant exposure to negative energy can distort perception, fostering anxiety and depression.
The spread of depression among family members is scientifically proven. Research by Professor Jonathan Flint (Oxford University) on 10,500 Chinese women showed that individuals with depressed grandparents, parents, or siblings have a three times higher risk of developing the condition. Doctor Gerald Haeffel and Jennifer Hames (University of Notre Dame, US) similarly found that prolonged exposure to pessimistic individuals gradually shifts others' perceptions negatively, increasing psychological vulnerability.
Doctor Chung emphasized that mental illness is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. Caregivers of mental patients often endure significant pressure, especially when patients are uncooperative or verbally abusive. Without timely support, caregivers risk exhaustion and developing anxiety disorders or depression. Doctors therefore recommend that adults actively address and resolve their psychological issues, avoiding the use of children as outlets for toxic emotions. The belief that children can help parents "overcome" depression is a dangerous misconception. Upon detecting signs of mental instability, both patients and their family members should promptly seek specialized medical facilities for appropriate intervention.
Thuy Quynh
