Young Carers of Parents with a Mental Illness

Caring for a parent with a mental illness can be tiring and confusing. Young people who live with or care for an adult with a mental illness sometimes miss out on education, joinig in sports and having a social life.1 

Various surveys and audits in the United States of America and in Britain suggest that at least 20% and in some cases up to 50% of adults known to mental health services have children.

Australian surveys have found that between 29% and 35% of mental health services clients are female parents of dependant children under the age of 18.2

The stigma associated with mental illness can be just as isoating for carers as the person experiencing mental illness. But this doesn't have to be the case.  There are organisations in every state and territory in Australia to support young people caring for a parent with a mental illness. 

TO FIND HELP AND SUPPORT CLICK HERE

Click here for a copy of Lifeline's Just Ask Toolkit for Carers of People with a Mental Illness (follow the links to Caring) for information to help you understand mental illness and your own feelings, and tips on caring your parent and importantly, caring for yourself.

And remember that with the right information and support caring for someone with a mental illness can also be rewarding!

1. Falkov A, ed. Crossing bridges: Training resources for working with mentally ill parents and their children. Reader for managers, practitioners and trainers. Brighton, East Sussex: Pavilion Publishing for Department of Health, U.K., 1998.

2. Cowling V, ed. Children of parents with mental illness. Melbourne: The Australian Council for Educational Research, (ACER); 1999. Hearle J, Plant K, Jenner L, Barkla J, McGrath J. A survey of contact with offspring and assistance with child care among parents with psychotic disorder. Psychiatric Services 1999; 50: 1354-1356.

Farrell GA, Handley C, Hanke A, Hazelton M, Josephs A. The Tasmanian Children's Project Report: The needs of children and adolescents with a parent/carer with a mental illness. Hobart: Tasmanian School of Nursing and the Department of Health and Human Services; 1999.