In the hushed corners of households worldwide, there exists a silent struggle, one often overlooked and underestimated—the impact of parental mental illness on children. Behind closed doors, amid the echoes of laughter and tears, young hearts bear the weight of their parents' afflictions, navigating a path of uncertainty, fear, and resilience.
As we embark on this exploration, we peel back the layers of silence, shedding light on the profound ways in which growing up in the shadow of mental illness molds the lives and futures of children. From the subtle nuances of daily life to the profound scars etched upon tender souls, every aspect unveils a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring human spirit.
In understanding the impact of parental mental illness on children, numbers provide crucial insights. They not only quantify the scope of the issue but also highlight its significance. Presently, children’s exposure to parental illness has escalated into a more pressing concern. This is evidenced by the fact that 18.2 percent of parents are grappling with mental health issues, with 3.8 percent facing severe conditions. Parents' psychological issues may result in negative parenting, lack of care towards children, or increased dysfunction within the home. Therefore, the mental health challenges experienced by both mothers and fathers are significant stressors for children, correlating with poorer mental health and increased behavioral issues throughout their youth. In a recent study, parents/caregivers were asked to report their child's mental health as well as their own. It was discovered that 1 in 14 children aged 0-17 had a parent who had documented poor mental health. Research suggests that individuals with a COPMI (Childrens of Parents with Mental Illness) background face a two to four-fold increased risk of developing mental disorders before reaching the age of 18. After the age of 18, this risk escalates to thirteen times higher in comparison to adult children of parents without mental illness.
Growing up in a household with a mentally ill parent(s) can have profound and lasting effects on a child's emotional well-being. The impact extends beyond the individual struggles of the parent, often shaping the child's perception of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Anna Källquist and Martin Salzmann-Erikson, Swedish researchers, pooled 14 studies and analyzed them to identify recurring themes. In these studies, it emerged that numerous participants expressed challenges in forming bonds with their parents, noting feelings of being deprived of love, care, protection, and attention. Additionally, many participants reported feeling burdens of responsibility for their families' well-being. Participants frequently mentioned experiencing feelings of guilt and fear, often about their parents' potential for self-harm and enduring anger and abuse, particularly in cases of psychosis. Furthermore, participants had shared feelings of alienation. Experiencing isolation from their families, peers, and society at large. They expressed shame, loneliness, and a sense of being different from “normal” people, worsened by experiences of ridicule directed at them and their parents.
The impact of parental mental illness doesn’t end in childhood; rather, it often extends into adulthood, shaping various aspects of an individual's life. As the participants recall their adulthood they note the obligation they felt to tend to their parents. This demand led them to feel isolated from the world around them, along with feelings of guilt and anger. They also struggled with setting boundaries (emotional and physical). Furthermore, they experienced difficulty in maintaining intimate relationships and having a hard time confiding with their partners. Participants mutually experienced apprehension about the possibility of inheriting their parent's mental illness. Additionally, some had reported struggling with depression and anxiety. In multiple other quantitative research studies, it has been revealed that adults who are COPMI (Childrens of Parents with Mental Illness) are at an increased risk of depressive mood disorders, anxiety, suicidality, somatic symptoms, and related disorders.
From emotional and behavioral issues to social and cognitive challenges, the impact is significant and far-reaching. Understanding these effects is crucial for several reasons. It underscores the need for early identification and intervention. By recognizing the signs of distress in both parents and children, mental health professionals, educators, and community support systems can intervene more effectively to provide the necessary support. Ultimately, fostering a supportive environment for families dealing with mental illness is not just a matter of individual well-being but also a societal responsibility. By addressing these challenges with empathy and comprehensive support systems, we can help ensure children grow up in environments that nurture their potential rather than hinder it.
mindgarden is a non-profit organization founded by two high school juniors in California. With a strong passion for mental health advocacy, the two came together to establish mindgarden, aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues among individuals of all age ranges. The core mission of mindgarden revolves around fostering a supportive community that encourages the growth of mental well-being by offering various resources, educational initiatives, and a safe platform for open discussions about mental health. Emphasizing the importance of caring for our minds, mindgarden envisions a future where collective strength is cultivated through individual empowerment.
Co-founders:
Melody Angulo
Gia Gonzalez
Instagram: mindgardennp
Twitter: mindgardennp
Tiktok: mindgarden3
Email: mindgardennp@gmail.com
Works Cited
Brummelhuis, Ingrid A.M., et al. “Psychological and physical wellbeing in adults who grew up with a mentally ill parent: A systematic mixed-studies review.” ScienceDirect, December 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834322001141. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Kamis, Christina. “The Long-Term Impact of Parental Mental Health on Children’s Distress Trajectories in Adulthood.” Sage Journals, 20 March 2022, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156869320912520#bibr16-2156869320912520. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Mehta, Vinita. “What It's Like to Be the Child of a Mentally Ill Parent.” Psychology Today, 2021,https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/202109/what-its-be-the-child-mentally-ill-parent#:~:text=Key%20points%201%20According%20to%20one%20study%2C%20children,mentally%20ill%20parents%20fear%20inheriting%20their%20parents%27%20illnesses. Accessed 29 May 2024.