Ask Amy: Sons’ calls trigger mom’s anxiety
Dear Amy: I have trouble insulating myself from the anxiety caused by my young adult sons’ life issues. They are 21 and 26 years old.
I’ve done what I could as a mom to raise independent adults. They are doing well for the most part (the younger still in college), but we are close and they confide in me. This can really send me into a tailspin.
Our older son has chosen a lifestyle that is built around being outdoors, but his work can be sporadic and he can be very scattered.
I believe he may have some depression and doesn’t always take his meds for his ADHD. But I’m glad he confides in me, and I prompt him to take care of himself.
Our younger son has chosen an extremely competitive academic and professional path. He seems to have built in good options for himself, but recently he had a fender bender in the car, and I worry about him.
My anxiety about my sons really impacts me on a daily basis, and is not healthy. (My husband does not worry like this.)
I worry about their futures and their ability to become the people they want to become, have successful careers, and support themselves.
Any words of wisdom?
— Worried Mom
Dear Worried: First for the sharp shock: You will thrill to your kids’ victories and worry over their defeats for the rest of your life.
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