Caring for a Mentally Ill Parent
Jill Stark writes about 15-year old Jessica who takes care of her mentally ill mother. This is a story that many children and teens with mentally ill parents can relate to: at a time when others are looking forward to their futures and making plans, Jessica and peers in her position go on “night patrol” to watch over her mom.
This story also speaks of the lack of support that teens like Jessica face, when she becomes the parent when her mother’s condition destabilizes. Jessica has to constantly be there for her mother and forego parties that most teens take for granted.
Children and teens in these situations are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems, as well as dealing with feelings of shame. When there are other siblings in the family, the eldest shoulder parental responsibilities to their own siblings as well.
The most important fact that children and teens in these situations must realize and believe is that this is not their fault.
Hi:) I really liked your blog. I feel for people with mental illnesses. I am so interested, I even chose helping people with mental disabilities as a topic for a project at my school. In my class, we are making our own blogs and PSA. My blog is about helping people who are mentally ill get off of the streets and collect resources.
Anyone interested in looking at my blog(very unfinished blog) is more than welcome.
My link is
http://homelessmentallyillinla.blogspot.com/
and please feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
thank you:)
Leanna
4 Dec 07 at 1:25 pm
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you to Jessica for sharing her story. My brother and I cared for my Mum who went through years of paranoid pyschosis when we were growing up and some of the things you said were so true for us. I remember feeling very ashamed about my Mum’s illness, and then feeling ashamed that I felt ashamed! I found it hard to explain to even my closest friends and so I think that you are so brave. When my mum was ill, it felt like there wasn’t anyone out there who was struggling with the same problems and I’m so glad that you can attend a group where you can talk with other young people in similar circumstances. Certainly more of these are needed and especially where I live in the UK. Thank you again: I hope that 2 years on things have improved for your family.
Best Wishes,
Jen,x
Jennifer
7 Oct 09 at 6:00 am