42% of Parents of Disabled Children Contemplate Suicide—Why They Stay Silent

A new mother says she felt "broken" after a weeklong family vacation celebrating her mother-in-law's 75th birthday left her without support for her 3-month-old infant. Despite multiple relatives with parenting experience, not one offered to hold the baby or give her a break, she wrote on Reddit.

Dinners clashed with her baby's 7 p.m. bedtime, restaurant outings were 45 minutes away, and a lone offer to bring back food fell through when the kitchen closed—forcing her to fend for herself each night.

Nearly half of parents caring for children with disabilities experience suicidal thoughts. A 2024 study finds that 42% of these caregivers contemplate suicide—ten times the 4.3% rate in the general U.S. population—yet 53% never share their struggles.

Experts warn that exhaustion, social isolation and financial strain deepen risk, but limited insurance coverage and unpaid caregiving duties keep many from seeking help.

Key barriers include:

• Guilt and shame around feeling "overwhelmed"


• Inadequate therapy coverage and respite services


• The belief that heroes don't ask for help

Joshua and Kelsey Harville, based in Fort Worth, Texas, juggle full-time careers alongside caring for their 16-month-old daughter by trading off childcare duties. Joshua, a Realtor, often works into the evening responding to client calls, while Kelsey, a nurse, covers three 13-hour hospital shifts weekly and remains on call for chemotherapy patients.

They divide weekly childcare about 35% for Joshua and 65% for Kelsey, leaning on grandparents instead of paid help. Although the arrangement can feel like "splitting custody," the couple credits advance planning, protected downtime and a supportive extended family for helping them navigate unpredictable schedules and maintain hands-on parenting.

LANSING, Mich. — While a competitive spirit can drive children to excel in sports, academics or the arts, psychiatrist Christina Lee says it can become toxic when young ones obsess over winning and perfection. A report on Parents.com identifies six red flags—ranging from bragging and self-criticism to refusing challenges for fear of failure. Lee urges parents to praise effort over outcome, balance competitive and cooperative play, and model healthy attitudes toward success.

A 74-year-old retired man says his wife of 50 years abruptly told him she no longer wants to live with him, leaving him isolated in their summer home. With no history of abuse, infidelity or major fights, he is at a loss to explain her decision and is cut off from his adult children, who have sided with their mother.

Key Facts:

• No warning signs: occasional ups and downs, but no major conflicts.


• Financial concerns: living alone in costly senior housing and summer home risks depleting retirement savings.


• Professional steps: advised to seek a new therapist focused on separation, consult a divorce lawyer and financial planner, and explore home-health support.