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 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.
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:
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.
Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer, so you can get the treatment you deserve.