Children are the silent victims of adults’ mental illness. Whether their disorder has been lifelong or they have more recently Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Dementia, the roller coaster ride the children of these patients are forced through can feel just as debilitating.
1. This is not your fault.
Mental illness can cause erratic and even violent outbreaks. Days aren’t described as good or bad, but as manic or depressive. You might blame yourself, and they might even blame you, but as we reflect, you must remember what a mental illness is and then you will remember that it is never your fault.
2. Mental Illness does not define who they are.
They have a mental illness, but they still like chocolate sprinkles on their coffee or they still like to sit on the far chair in the living room. We all have our certain quirks, and people don’t lose those just because of mental illness. They typically stay, and sometimes even heighten. So take this opportunity to surprise them with their favorite chocolate or a movie they love.
3. Be their cheerleader
When people are at this low of a point in their lives, sometimes they just need a cheerleader. Make sure you are their shoulder to cry on because then they’ll want you to be there when they are celebrating their happiness. It’s hard to reverse the role and act as the parent, but we are all humans and we all need support. Be selfless.
4. Learn their illness, their symptoms, and how to help.
Use the internet to your advantage and do as much research as possible. The more you learn and the more information you gather helps to make the illness more concrete than abstract. It also helps you prepare and gives you a sense of control.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/files/2012/08/talking-to-kids-467×2…