Challenge of a single mom struggling with depressed teen

Challenges of Being a Single Mother

The Strain of Doing It All Alone

Struggling to provide the best for their children with limited resources, single parents—most often mothers—shoulder an immense burden. There’s a well-known motivational phrase:

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

But what happens when the lemons are moldy, bitter, and bruised? What happens when there’s no sugar—or no clean water—to make the lemonade?

That’s the reality many single mothers face every day.

The Harsh Reality of Poverty

Poverty is a persistent challenge for single moms. Many are forced to work long hours in low-paying jobs, often living in neighborhoods with limited access to healthcare, education, and safe recreational spaces for children. Parenting is always a challenge—but in these conditions, it becomes an uphill battle.

And when the child is a teenager battling depression, the challenge becomes overwhelming.

A Dangerous Cycle: Depression and Poverty

Research from the Rochester Institute of Technology has shown that children in single-parent households are at greater risk for mental health struggles—especially depression. A Swedish study echoed these findings, noting that psychiatric disorders and suicidal ideation occur more frequently in children who live with only one parent.

Why?

One reason is that the parent—often the mother—is also depressed.

A study by the Urban Institute found that mothers living below the poverty line were more likely to suffer from severe depression, while those in higher income brackets reported only mild symptoms.

No Relief, No Resources

It’s no surprise. When you’re worrying about rent, food, and how to afford school supplies, it’s hard to stay emotionally balanced. But a mother battling depression is far less able to support a teen battling the same. And with no emotional support network, no affordable therapy, and little awareness of treatment options, the family spirals deeper into crisis.

Teens, by nature, tend to shut their parents out. A depressed teen may never express how bad things are—and a struggling mom may be too overwhelmed to notice the warning signs.

Left untreated, teen depression can lead to:

• Poor academic performance

• Substance abuse

• Chronic health problems

• Long-term mental health issues

This creates a vicious cycle, often repeating into the next generation.

Breaking the Silence, Building Awareness

The answer isn’t as simple as telling single mothers to “stay positive” or “try harder.” That’s not helpful. What’s needed is greater public awareness about:

• The signs of teen depression

• Accessible mental health resources

• Compassionate support for single-parent families

Moms need to know: you are not alone. And teens need to know: your feelings are valid, and help is possible.

A Final Word of Hope

While the struggle is real, hope is not out of reach. Support can come from unexpected places—schools, community centers, churches, or even a kind neighbor. Education, compassion, and resources can break the cycle.

Let’s not just hand single moms a rotten lemon.
Let’s give them what they need to grow a tree.