Children can feel confused, upset, guilty, frustrated and angry, just as adults can, but they may not be able to talk about their feelings and may show feelings in other ways. Being alert to signs that children are not coping, and spending some time with them to address their concerns can help them, and you, feel a lot better about the situation.
The way children, young people and families experience the impact of mental illness on their family and their lives is very different, and for children, may be influenced by their age, developmental stage and by the information and support that has been available to them.
For some children and young people the experience will have been quite positive and may not have disrupted their life or prevented them from having their needs met. For others, the experience may have been very stressful, involving separation and/or exposure to traumatic or confusing situations. It is important to listen to children and young people and to try and understand what they have experienced and what this has meant for them and whether there is anything they need from you.
If you are caring for a child - your own or someone else's - who has a close family member affected by mental illness, it is important to give them your love and support. Finding time to talk to them during difficult times and letting children know that you care and will support them is very important. Listening to children and doing something with them to help them cope with the changes in their life can help you, as well as them, to gain a better sense of control and understanding.
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