Estimates of the prevalence of parental mental illness vary, but an Australian study found that up to 1 in 4 children were raised by a parent with mental illness (Maybery et al. ., 2019). An international survey found that up to 36% of patients seeking psychiatric treatment are caring parents of dependent children (Ruud et al., 2019).
The above results are consistent with a recent study by the Parenting Research Center(PRC). A Parenting Today study in Victoria found that among 2,600 participants who were parents of children aged 0 to 18 years, parental mental health problems were common (Millward, Matthews , Wade, Forbes & Seward, 2018; Wade et al., 2018).
Most parents reported good mental health, but more than a quarter now experience moderate (24%) to severe (4%) emotional distress. In addition, 28% of parents had symptoms of depression since birth, and 28% had anxiety symptoms.
Effects of Parents’ Mental Health on Children
A recent analysis using data from a longitudinal study of children in Australia showed that parental mental health early in a child’s life was associated with long-term mental health outcomes for the child. (Rioseco, Warren, and Daraganova, in press).
Children of parents who have experienced moderate or severe emotional distress are at increased risk of
experiencing social and emotional difficulties over time.
There are many possible explanations for the relationship between parents and their children’s mental health problems. Some studies suggest a genetic link. For example, twin and adoption studies have suggested a role for genetics in some psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression (Caddock & Sklar, 2013; Hilker et al., 2018). ). ; McGuffin et al., 2003). However, in most cases, genetic factors interact with
environmental factors (exposure to trauma, availability of support, quality of parenting, etc.) and can influence a child’s mental health. Environmental factors may be risk factors or protective factors for mental illness in children, many of which are modifiable, especially those related to parent-child interactions.
Effects of parental mental health on parenting
Parental mental health can affect the quality of engagement with children (Reupert, Maybery, Kowalenko, 2013). A study conducted by China (Millward et al., 2018) found that parents with poor mental health were more likely to engage in severe discipline (e.g., hitting, yelling) than parents with good mental health. . These parents were also less likely to use positive parenting strategies (e.g., praising good behavior or talking to their children about their
problems).
Of the parents with poor mental health, 16% of her reported arguing or yelling with her child significantly or often, compared to 8% of her with good mental health. Parents with worse mental health were more likely to say they wished their child had been less impatient (51% vs. 37%). A larger proportion of parents with worse mental health wanted more consistent parenting and felt that parents were too critical of interactions between
children and parents.
Parents with mental health issues also reported spending less time playing games and
exercising with their children.
The above results are supported by other Australian and international studies (BronteTinkew, Moore, Matthews & Carrano, 2007; Giallo et al., 2015; Giallo, Cooklin, Wade, D’Esposito & Nicholson, Giallo, Cooklin, Wade, D’Esposito & Nicholson, 2014b; Giallo, Treyvaud, Cooklin & Wade, 2013; Pape & Collins, 2011; Oyserman, Bybee, Mowbray & HartJohnson, 2005).
A parent’s mental illness does not necessarily have a negative impact on the child.Despite the above findings, it is important to emphasize that parental mental health concerns do not necessarily worsen the child’s prognosis. Even in times of acute distress, parents with mental illness can be good parents, and the right mix of family and social support to ensure their children’s mental health can reduce the impact on their children. can be minimized
(Reupert, Maybery, & Kowalenko, 2013).
Influence
Support is available for parents struggling to raise their children, regardless of their mental health. Parenting is a set of learning skills that can be learned and improved, and there is always a role for practitioners and services that support parents to enhance parenting.
Strategies for supporting parents with mental health problems will be explored in a future
short article by the author.
I’m here. Let’s talk and make conversations about parenting and mental illness more normal and allows parents to explore how their mental health issues affect their children.
Worse outcomes for children, including mental health problems in children, are not necessarily associated with having a parent with mental illness. Children thrive, even when faced with challenges such as a parent’s mental illness, with the support of parents in creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Health professionals can improve child outcomes by providing support and training in parenting skills to parents with mental health problems. Children’s development and wellbeing are optimized when parents are raised in peace.