Information for parents, friends and families

It usually happens because of a mix of different things like stress, difficult life events or physical health problems. We’ve put together some key information to help you understand what might cause mental health problems and how it affects people.

You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Mental health problems are common, and many parents manage them while raising children with love and care. What matters is finding the right support — for you and for your family — and taking things one step at a time. Read more in our Parenting with a mental illness brochure.

You don’t need to say everything at once; just keeping things simple, honest, and calm can go a long way. Our short film, Making Sense of Mental Illness, can help you start the conversation with under-11s. BBC Bitesize, in collaboration with Our Time, has also created a helpful guide for parents and carers with tips on explaining mental health to children — read it here.

Even though 1 in 3 children in the UK has a parent with a mental health condition, stigma still exists. That can make it harder for young people to speak up. You can help by learning about stigma and standing up to discrimination when you see it.

Children who experience mental health problems in the family may hide how they feel. Encouraging them to recognise and talk about their emotions is an important step. Explore our 5 strategies for developing emotional literacy to get started.

If a parent is in hospital for their mental health, it can be confusing or upsetting for their child. Our Sammy Bear booklets, created with South London and Maudsley NHS, offer a gentle, age-appropriate way to explain what’s going on.

Yes, you don’t have to be a professional. Many of our courses are open to anyone who wants to better understand mental health and support young people.