Coping with a parent who has mental health needs
Young Minds
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional well being and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences, we campaign, research and influence policy and practice.
Having a family member who is suffering from mental illness can be tough, but it's more common than you think. You might find it hard to understand what is happening, and sometimes the symptoms might confuse or frighten you. Luckily there are people who can help you and your relative.
Contact details
Suite 11, Baden Place, Crosby Row, London, SE1 1YW
ymenquiries@youngminds.org.uk
For more information about Young Minds, visit their website.
Rethink Mental Health
If you care for someone affected by mental illness, whether it be a parent, sibling or another relative, you can also find out about our Young Carers project - Young Carers in Focus. The aim of the Young Carers in Focus project is to enable you, as young carers, to be heard and get better access to practical advice and support, and to give you the opportunity to tell your own story in a way that feels positive and meaningful to you.
Contact details
If you are a young carer and would like to speak to someone, see the details below:
Address: 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP
Tel: 0300 5000 927
Alternatively, for more information visit the website or you can learn more about ways to cope through the Caring for Yourself programme:
Mind
When you're a carer you spend a lot of your time focusing on someone else and it can feel unnatural to think about yourself and your needs. But it’s important that you look after your own wellbeing too. Taking positive steps to look after yourself can help you avoid your own physical and mental health problems.
Contact details
If you would like to speak to someone about how cope as a carer, see below:
Address: Shropshire MIND, Holywell St, Shrewsbury SY2 6BL
Tel: 01743 368647
Or you can visit the website for more information.
Shropshire Young Carers
The aim of the Shropshire young carers project is to identify, assist and support young carers from the area of Shropshire, to provide them with regular short breaks from their caring responsibilities and enable them to have increased participation in youth activities with their peers. The young carers project in Shropshire is managed by Carers Trust 4All
Contact details
If you would like to get in touch with Shropshire Young Carers for more information or to discuss any concerns you have, contact:
Telephone: 03333 231990
Email: shropshire@carerstrust4all.org.uk
SANE
SANE provides emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.
Our mental health support services are completely confidential. Whatever your problems or concerns, you will receive non-judgmental emotional support. Our professional staff and trained volunteers have specialist mental health knowledge and we can help you consider options for support that address your individual circumstances.
Contact details
If you would like to speak to a member of the team contact:
Tel: 0300 304 7000
Email: info@sane.org.uk
Helpline is available from 6-11pm daily.
Or visit the website for more information about SANE.
Resources
SANE
This factsheet aims to give you an overview of the situation that family, friends and carers of those with a mental health diagnosis may encounter, and to provide some information to help you.