Getting help

Children and young people who have a parent with a mental health problem are often young carers. If you have a mental illness and are concerned about your child  - or any child in this situation -  you should talk to the social worker or medical team caring for the parent (your own team if need be), and explain your worries. If social services get involved, that does not mean they will take the child away from the parent – they should assess the situation and offer help and support to the family. The child would only be taken into care if there was no other way to keep them safe.

Support for the child should include giving them clear information about what their parent is experiencing, as this can help them to understand what is going on and that it is not their fault.

If the child is at school, their teacher should also be contacted to let them know what is going on and to see what support the school can offer.

If you think a child or young person whose parent is mentally ill is having emotional, behavioural or mental health problems themselves, young carers groups and online support can assist, but they may also need help via the GP.

If the child is under 18, the GP may decide they need to be referred to specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)  for help. They may be offered talking therapy to help with their feelings about the situation. Other family members may also be offered support.

If your child is over 18 they will need to ask for the help themselves, via their GP. They can request a carer’s assessment from the local social services department.

Youth counselling services can also help, and young people can refer themselves to these. Most will see young people between the ages of 13-25.