What It’s Like For Parents With Mental Illness

Parents with mental illnesses are no different from any other parent or any individual who suffers from a certain mental health disorder. As we all know, these conditions can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, health status, or family situation. What sets these individuals apart is the fact that they’re also preoccupied with raising children, which can be a more burdensome and difficult situation to handle when already suffering from a mental condition.

Parents with mental health issues are in no way less effective than those without a condition; however, there are more factors they should consider when going about their daily business. What’s important to remember is that with the right treatment and support, it’s very much possible for any parent to manage their symptoms while living a happy, healthy life with their family.

Below, we’ll discuss more about the truth of parenting with a mental illness, and how to effectively manage both your mental health and your family’s health.

The Impacts of Parenting With a Mental Illness

The impacts of parenting with a mental illness are varied and often unpredictable, and the effects on children rely heavily on a number of external factors. Even though parents with mental illnesses can pose psychosocial, biological, and environmental risks for their children, not every child will be affected in the same way, or at all. Being a parent with a mental illness is not a sole reason why a child might develop similar problems. Instead, these risks are dependent on how the condition affects the parent’s behavior and relationships, as well as the age of onset, duration, severity, and levels of stress within the family as a result of the condition.

So, how can parental illness affect a child? What’s more important than anything, is the way these symptoms can interfere with positive parenting, like showing interest in the child, or either intentionally or unintentionally putting forth feelings of neglect or guilt.

Mental Health Tips For Parents

Every parent can expect to navigate through certain challenges while raising a child, but having a mental illness can make these challenges that much more difficult to overcome. Here are some mental health tips for parents that can have a tremendous and positive impact on a child:

Stay Connected – Parents can benefit significantly from staying connected with their child. Kids often feel as if they’re at fault, or responsible, or the reason for their parent’s condition, and by staying connected, open, and honest with them, you can help them feel loved and secured.
Be Open About Your Condition – Sometimes, especially when children get older or into their teen years, it’s a good idea to be honest with your child about the challenges you are going through. This can help them understand your situation, and prevent them from feeling responsible. It can also help them with coping skills to take with them going forward.
Create Daily Activities – Routines are a great way to help a family maintain a smooth daily life, and can also help make them feel more secure and stable in their environment. Children often wish to help around the house if made aware of their parent’s condition, and this can be a great way to balance your homelife and your mental health. However, if children are taking on too much responsibility, it could be a sign that you’re in need of an extra line of support.
Don’t Be Afraid to Accept Additional Help – Parenting can be exhausting and burdensome. Often, family members and friends will reach out to support these individuals in any way they can, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with accepting this support. Whether it’s helping a child with a task, taking them to school, cooking a meal, or cleaning around the house, everyone in the family can benefit from this extra support stream, and it often strengthens bonds and brings connections closer.
Look After Yourself – Never be afraid to give yourself some alone time. Parents always want the best for their kids, but they often put too much pressure or responsibility on themselves, and in turn make the situation worse. Give yourself time to relax, sleep well, eat well, and unwind when stressors arise.

Getting the Treatment You Deserve

As a leading dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida, South Beach Detox offers multiple levels of medical and clinical care to provide comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment programs. Our team of experienced and well-trained professionals are dedicated to the treatment of every patient who walks through our doors, and including parents with mental illnesses.