As a parent it can be difficult to think about how your child is impacted by your family member’s mental health.

You may wish to discuss this matter with a health professional or ask to speak to a social worker on your family members Multi-Disciplinary Team which you will find here.

In the context on Children First Legislation the child’s views and safety are paramount, but this process is not to be taken with the view of ‘removing’ the child from the family, but in supporting the child ‘within’ the family.

Some people worry that discussing mental health in the family will upset children however when your child does not understand what is happening it can make them feel alone and confused.  They may even feel responsible for the change in behaviour of the family member.

Talking to your child about mental illness will help them make sense of their experiences.  Explain to your child what is wrong.  Be honest and use simple language.  Listen to your child, and allow space for discussions.  Observe your child if there is a change in behaviour.  Try and keep to their usual routines and talk to them about how they can help.  If you encourage an open discussion around the mental health issue, this can prepare them in advance of a crisis.  This means your child may cope better and focus on their own self-care which is important.  This teaches them the importance in all aspects of life of caring for their own physical and emotional health first and foremost.

The mental health issue can be a learning experience for life.  It is ok to talk about mental health in your family and give your child the option of discussing their concerns with others outside the family should they need it.

This article by a family member shows how children can be helped to understand mental illness.

Family Talk is a model which looks at the whole family, thereby widening supports beyond the person with the mental health difficulty.  Research has shown that families who receive whole family intervention results in improved understanding of mental illness/mental health as well as understanding the impact.

(Siegenthaler et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22176935/

Not supporting the whole family can have a negative impact on young people living with parental mental health.

The PRIMERA Research Report for families with parental mental illness is available at this link. https://cmhcr.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PRIMERA-Research-Briefing-Report.pdf

Both these resources offer support and promote the health, wellbeing and quality of life of young people who have become carers of a parent with mental health difficulties to ensure they feel properly recognised, supported and empowered.

The WITH Project was initiated by young people who have a parent with a mental health challenge in collaboration with services and this short video explains more.