How To Talk to Your Child About Your Mental Illness

Parents who have a mental illness often wonder if they should talk to their children about it or if they should avoid the subject all together.  Some of us are even terrified about discussing it with our kids. However, one important point to consider is that when we don’t explain things to children they begin to fill in the blanks themselves.

When parents talk to their children openly about their struggles, in a way the child can understand it helps the child make sense of what is happening around them.  Helping your child to understand mental illness can be done by having an age appropriate discussion.  Talking to them is a great opportunity to decrease any anxiety they could be experiencing and correct misconceptions We don’t want to alarm them or to make them confused or stressed. So it’s common for parents to become a bit apprehensive on tackling the topic.

Consider the benefits of talking to your child and work out what are the things that hold you back.   Once you can answer those questions you can move towards the next step which is addressing them.  There are some points to consider before discussing your mental illness with your child/children.

Points to Consider:

• It is important for the parent to have a full understanding of their own mental health prior to attempting a discussion with their child.  Knowing will help you become more confident during the discussion, particularly if your child has questions to ask about your illness.
• Prepare your child by mentioning what the talk will be about and let them know that there will be question time at the end.
• If you’re not sure about how to talk to your child, consider talking to a mental health professional for advice on how you can better communicate the message to your child.
• When discussing the topic with young children be flexible while having the discussion with them to make their learning environment a pleasant one. Some might sit while others play.
• There’s a whole lot of information online and many books available on the topic.  Definitely lay down the ground work by educating yourself before talking to your child.
• The age and developmental stage of your child – when talking to children on any given topic, particularly about mental health, we need to be mindful of their age and their capability to understand what we are trying to communicate to them and hold discussion accordingly.
• Consider having your spouse there for support when you decide to open up to your child about your mental illness.

If we don’t explain to children they can end up copying our behaviour.

“Children take more notice of what their parents do, than what they say. Actions speak louder than words.”   – William Tiptaft

Sources:

Psychology Today – Talking To Your Child About Mental Illness

Where to Get Help in Australia

Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

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For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

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Enrolments open approximately 3 months prior the courses commencing. Enquire now by filling out the form with your details to receive course information by email.

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