The division between adult and children’s social services means that when a parent is diagnosed as having serious mental health difficulties, children are rarely consulted about their needs or feelings while parents are rarely supported in their parenting role.
When a parent has a mental illness, there may be times when they can’t give their children the love and care they need. They might find it hard to stick to a routine and do things like cook meals, do the washing or help with homework.
Children can get distressed and confused when a parent behaves in ways that are hard to understand.
They may worry that they will get hurt or that their parent will hurt themselves.
Facts About Mental Illness and Families
- Many young people living with a parent with severe mental illness spend lots of time at home and rarely get the chance to enjoy time with friends because of their caring responsibilities.
- A survey carried out by MIND reported that a quarter of parents with mental health difficulties said their children had been teased or bullied because of their parent’s condition.
- Children living in households where a parent has a severe mental health problem are more likely to live in poverty - only 24% of adults with long term mental health problem are in paid employment.
See what Family Action does to support families affected by mental ill health or read a personal story from one of our Building Bridges service users.