Are “Daddy or Mommy” Issues Considered Mental Illnesses?

British psychologist John Bowlby explains attachment disorders as “bonding disorders between children and their primary caregivers”. We use the colloquial term "daddy or mommy issues" to describe the psychological or emotional challenges that can arise from a dysfunctional relationship with a parent or parent figure. This informal label shows that the individual with daddy or mommy issues is somehow immature and fragile.  This may manifest differently for all who claim to have said issues and attachment disorders can be severe, creating disruptions in day-to-day life. 

I grew up in a loving family and rarely felt unloved. I was taken care of, and my physical and emotional needs were met. Thus, I never doubted my parental love, nor was I told that I had daddy or mommy issues. This positively affected my sensitivity to others' needs and my empathy learning. Many people may need to have the privileges I was given. But still, empathy can come not only from knowing what we've missed but also from understanding what we've had and realizing how those deprived could suffer from a lack of appropriate attachment.