Parental Mental Illness MRCPsych Course 2012 Dr Gisa Matthies

Some statistics 68% of women and 57% of men with mental illness are parents 1 ill parent, 70% of of children present with at least minor adjustment difficulties 2 parents with major mental illness, 40% chance to develop a severe mental illness Note: much can be done to protect!

Young Carers Emotional caring Medication Calling emergency services

In pre-verbal stage children much more vulnerable because they cannot articulate experience even years later

Child Protection Welfare and Protection!!!! Serious case reviews

Children and Young People what they say they need To have a frank discussion about their parents’ illness so they can think about the situation more objectively and to have their questions answered honestly and openly To know there is an adult who will act as their advocate (not a therapist) To know that their situation is not uncommon

cont. To have access to a place or a group, where they can mix with other children and YP who have had similar experiences To understand mental health problems To know that they are not responsible for the illness Help with their fear that they might catch the illness

cont. To understand how mental health services work To know what to look out for if their parent is becoming ill (often know) To know what is normal behaviour for an adult To know how to access help For their contribution to be recognised

cont. For their knowledge of their parent and his or her illness to be listened to and respected Dr Alan Cooklin, 2011

Comment of YP ‘worst thing was when the mental services got involved’ How can we change that experience for young people

Some effects... Education Confusion Stigma Social isolation Emotional impact pull away/different experience Missing out: fun, play feeling part of a group

Explanation Engage the child’s competence, provide a medium which can connect child, parents and professionals. Avoid patronisation

eople/caringforaparent.aspx Film: When a parent has a mental illness