By Fedhealth
Parenting is never a simple journey. From broken bones to broken hearts, raising children requires resilience and patience. However, when a child is diagnosed with a mental illness, the parenting experience shifts to an entirely different level of complexity. It is life-altering, not only for the child but for the entire family.
According to an article published by the University of Cape Town more than one in ten children in South Africa live with a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder that significantly affects their daily lives. In spite of this high prevalence, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to resources often leave families feeling isolated.
This article explores the challenges of raising a child with a mental illness while offering strategies to support both your child and yourself.
Understanding the Impact on Families
When parents first receive a diagnosis, the reaction is often mixed. On one hand, there may be relief in finally having a name for confusing behaviours, moods, and altered perception of the world. On the other hand, understanding the path forward and how best to support him or her can feel daunting.
Families need to adjust to treatment plans, therapy sessions and lifestyle changes that affects everyone in the home. The illness can place financial, emotional, and relational strain on families. Siblings may feel neglected, marriages may become strained under pressure, and parents often put their own well-being last. Research shows that caregivers of children with chronic mental health conditions are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout.
9 Essential Strategies for Parents
While every family’s journey is unique, the following evidence-based approaches can help parents better navigate the challenges:
1. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. Learning about your child’s specific condition, including its symptoms, triggers and warning signs, and treatment options, will help to reduce uncertainty and fear. Don’t be afraid to contact your mental health professional with any uncertainties when your child have been diagnosed. Reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychiatric Association (APA) provide the reality surrounding mental illness in children as well as evidence-based insight on the topic. Understanding the illness empowers you to advocate effectively for your child in school and community settings.
2. Maintain Family Balance
It is important to acknowledge the needs of other children in the family. Siblings may feel overlooked or confused by the attention given to the child with mental illness. Open communication, reassurance, and dedicating quality time to each child helps maintain emotional stability in the household.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Children with mental illness thrive in safe, loving spaces free from judgment. Establish positive discipline – predictable routines, clear expectations, and consistent rules. At the same time, avoid overprotecting your child. Encouraging independence and validating their emotions can help them build resilience and self-esteem.
4. Collaborate with Educators
Teachers and school counsellors play a crucial role in supporting children with mental health conditions. Sharing information with the school—while maintaining your child’s privacy—can help them provide appropriate accommodations and understanding. Teachers are often the first to notice early warning signs of worsening symptoms, making them valuable partners in care.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries
While it may be tempting to shield your child from all challenges, constantly rescuing them can lead to dependency. Setting reasonable rules and encouraging decision-making helps them develop problem-solving skills. Balance support with accountability to avoid fostering co-dependency.
6. Seek Community Support
Parenting a child with mental illness can feel isolating. Finding other families who share similar experiences is invaluable. Support groups, both in-person and online, provide understanding, encouragement, and practical advice. In South Africa, organisations such as SADAG and Childline SA offer resources and networks for parents.
7. Ask for Help
According to Psychology Today caregivers of children with mental illness are often traumatised. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that most family caregivers of children with mental health disorders experience symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, and need to consider mental health support. Do not attempt this journey alone. Reach out to extended family, friends, or professional carers when you need a break. Counselling can help parents cope with the emotional toll of caregiving. As experts highlight, “self-care is not selfish—it is survival.”
8. Advocate for Your Child
Unfortunately, stigma around mental illness persists. Many children face misunderstanding or discrimination in schools, communities, and even healthcare settings. Parents must act as advocates, challenging stereotypes and speaking up to ensure their child receives the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
9. Prioritise Your Own Mental Health
Parental well-being directly affects a child’s recovery. Research indicates that caregivers of children with mental health disorders if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or exhaustion, seek professional help. Therapy, support groups, and mindfulness practices can restore balance. Research consistently shows that children of parents who practise self-care experience better emotional outcomes.
Hold onto Hope
Raising a child with mental illness is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, compassion, and unconditional love. Progress may not always be linear—there will be setbacks as well as victories along the way. What matters most is keeping your child safe, stable, and supported.
While no parent is perfect, showing up with patience, consistency, and empathy can make all the difference in your child’s journey. By seeking knowledge, building support systems, and taking care of yourself, you strengthen not only your child but the entire family.
Remember: you are not alone. Help exists, hope is real, and with the right support, children living with mental illness can thrive.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Children’s mental health. https://www.apa.org/topics/children/mental-health
- Better Health Channel. (2020). Helping your child with mental illness. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/helping-your-child-with-mental-illness
- Childline. (2025). How we help. https://www.childlinesa.org.za/about/how-we-help/online-counselling
- Fedhealth. (2016). The powerful benefits of family time. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/the-benefits-of-family-time
- Fedhealth. (2019). Positive discipline 101. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/positive-discipline-101
- Gauch, S. M. (2023). Understanding the trauma of caring for children with mental illness. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/the-whole-child/202305/the-chronic-trauma-of-caring-for-children-with-mental-illness
- Germiston City News. (2022, April 7). Free support group for loved ones of children with mental health conditions. https://www.citizen.co.za/germiston-city-news/news-headlines/2022/04/07/free-support-group-for-loved-ones-of-children-with-mental-health-conditions
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Mental illness in children: Know the signs. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/mental-illness-in-children/art-20046577
- Ocansey, P. M., Kretchy, I. A., Aryeetey, G. C., Agyabeng, K., & Nonvignon, J. (2021). Anxiety, depression, and stress in caregivers of children and adolescents with mental disorders in Ghana and implications for medication adherence. Ghana Medical Journal, 55(3), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v55i3.1
- SADAG. (n.d.). Making mental health matter. https://www.sadag.org
- Toscano, S. (n.d.). Self-care while parenting a child with mental illness. South Coast Community Services. https://sccs4kids.org/self-care-while-parenting-a-child-with-mental-illness
- University of Cape Town. (2023, June 8). Redress mental health care for children and adolescents in South Africa. https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2023-06-08-redress-mental-healthcare-for-children-and-adolescents-in-south-africa
- World Health Organization. (2024). Improving the mental and brain health of children and adolescents. https://www.who.int/activities/improving-the-mental-and-brain-health-of-children-and-adolescents
