I’m on vacation struggling with depression and just found out my parents privately messaged my ex, blaming them for ruining the trip and my mood. Now my ex is furious and thinks I sent them after him. How do I even look at my parents right now?

You don't have to pretend everything is fine at dinner tonight—give yourself permission to put up an emotional wall for the rest of this trip. When parents don't understand depression, they often look for an external villain. Blaming an ex is easier for them than accepting that mental health isn't something a nice hotel or a change of scenery can instantly cure. That doesn't excuse what they did: reaching out behind your back was a massive boundary violation that turned your private pain into unnecessary drama. First, send your ex a brief, clear reality check: "I had no idea my parents messaged you. I am completely mortified and deeply sorry they dragged you into this. You didn't cause my depression, and I didn't ask them to do that." Don't over-explain beyond that. Then, tell your parents quietly and firmly: "My mental health is not about my breakup, and messaging my ex was a huge breach of my trust. You crossed a line, and you need to leave my personal contacts alone." Take space where you can get it, even if it's just headphones and walks alone.