February 23 is National Depression Awareness Day. It serves as a reminder to reach out to those who often suffer in silence.

National Depression Awareness Day was established in 2001 by the Minister of Health. It is an important date on the public health calendar—its goal is to raise awareness about depression, spread knowledge about its symptoms, and encourage those affected to seek professional help and begin treatment.

Depression is an illness. It is not a weakness. It is not just a “bad day.” It is not a lack of gratitude. It can affect anyone—including parents of children with disabilities.

Depression Among Parents of Children with Disabilities—A Common and Challenging Experience

Parents of children with disabilities belong to a group that is particularly vulnerable to long-term stress, mental overload, and burnout. Depression in this group is common, though it is often hidden behind the daily struggle for the child’s health and development.

There can be many causes:

  • difficulties adapting after receiving a diagnosis,
  • the child’s long-term health issues,
  • stress and crises,
  • social isolation,
  • chronic stress and lack of rest,
  • a sense of isolation within the support system.

Adapting to a new family situation is an ongoing process. It changes as new challenges arise—such as the child’s developmental stages, their psychological and physical needs, and the family’s level of stress and fatigue. Even if parents seem “strong,” this does not mean they are not experiencing immense crises.

At the OliEdu Foundation, we often come into contact with parents of children with disabilities or parents of prematurely born children. We, too, have had our own personal and painful experiences in this regard. We therefore know how important it is to speak openly about these issues. Support from loved ones and doctors, as well as consultations with a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help:

  • in accepting your child’s diagnosis,
  • in managing emotions,
  • in preventing burnout,
  • in learning healthy strategies for coping with stress.

Everyone experiences such a tragedy in their own way, trying to find their footing in a new, completely unwelcome reality...

Words of support matter—how can we help the parents of a sick child?

Support doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Often, the simplest forms of presence are the most valuable:

  • talking and listening attentively,
  • spending time with them,
  • offering to watch the child so the parents can step out for a little while,
  • a specific offer of help: “If you need anything, let me know—I’d be happy to help,” “I’m here for you,” “You can count on me,” “If you need anything, let me know.”

However, certain behaviors can be particularly hurtful, so you should avoid:

  • avoid talking about the disability,
  • judge the parents (“you should do more…”),
  • give unsolicited advice,
  • feel sorry for them.

Parents of children with disabilities need warmth, understanding, and respect. It’s also worth reminding them to take care of themselves:

  • “What have you done for yourselves lately?”
  • “How are you feeling right now?”

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for providing long-term care for your child.

It’s worth recalling the “oxygen mask principle” here. In the context of parenting, this aligns with safety guidelines, because in the event of danger, parents should take care of themselves first, and then their children.

This approach ensures that parents will be able to help their child in the long run during a crisis, which is crucial for both their safety and that of their children. However, parents often struggle to focus on themselves, feeling constant pain and guilt.

February 23—the day we say out loud: You are not alone

National Depression Awareness Day is a good time to pause and ask:

  • Who around me might need support?
  • Do I see signs of fatigue that someone is trying to hide?
  • Can I ask, “How are you really feeling?”
  • It’s also a day to take a closer look at your own emotions and feelings...

Depression among parents of children with disabilities is a real and serious threat. It’s important to remember that support—emotional, social, and professional—can make a real difference in their daily lives.