Support for Children

Hi @Mum_of_MissL and welcome to the forum.

I have been in a similar situation when my wife spent an extended period in hospital so feel for you. Our hospital stay was officially voluntary but only remained that way as long as darling agreed to be there so still traumatic for the children. During a period of ~12 months we had 6+ hospital admissions totalling more than 4 months collectively.

During our crisis we were able to get support through an organisation Headspace z-12 (for children under 12yo) program. Unfortunately this program has been discontinued due to funding but depending on your area there may be something similar.

Our son has been seeing another councillor at another organisation that is specific to our location as he still struggles even though hes mum has been home for a while now. I was able to find this service with the help of a university councillor that I see. (I work and study at a university). Unfortunately I have found that GPs are not necessarily aware of all community based services but always a good place to start. And not all councillors get the significance of my concerns so if you are not happy with a first try it is always good to try someone new. Our GP is always helpful and happy to look into different services that I have asked about.

I am the daughter of 2 parents who had issues. I believe it is important NOT to block her realationship completely with her father, as my mother did, when one side makes out the other has all the issues. It was the few beautiful things that he did for me that enabled me to survive. It can be frightening for all, but kindness and guidance within the system are important. I visited my dad in hospital at 10. Truth compassion and real relationship is the only way through. It can be a danger to magnify the issues of one side.

I want to agree with @Appleblossom

(Unless safety is an issue) it is important for our children to have a continued relationship and still be able to see their parents. We have 3 boys (all 12 and under when their mum was last in hospital) and they all visited herein hospital.

(*important to note that this was in a private hospital in an environment that enables this) and they spoke daily on the phone.

Hi @Mum_of_MissL, we're sorry to hear that you are going through this tough time. Have you checked in with your local community centre for resources? That may be a good place to start, alternatively, you can check out this page from SANE on support for carers and families: https://www.sane.org/spotlight-on/families-carers/35-what-support-is-available-for-carers.

Hello,

Does anyone know of professionals or services that provide conselling to teenagers who have a parent with a mental illness?

I'm looking for someone compassionate but experienced in mental health to guide a teenager who's living with a parent with bipolar disorder.