Discover more resources
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Short article
Supporting parents who have poor mental health
Catherine WadeDespite the importance of parental mental health, many parents can’t or don’t have access to supports to help them navigate the rough waters of mental illness. This short article discusses the 2016 Parenting Today in Victoria study by the Parenting Research Centre which provides insights into the support needs of Victorian parents. -
Website
Advice for Early Childhood Workers Supporting Families with Parents who Experience Mental Illness
The Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) national initiativeThis page features advice for Early Childhood Workers who support families with parents who experience mental illness. Specifically, it offers recommendations about how to work with parents, their partners and carers, their children and young people. -
Fact sheet
Communicating with your toddler or young child when you have a mental illness
The COPMI national initiativeA toddler or young child can pick up on even subtle changes in mood and behaviour when their parent is unwell. This fact sheet will help you to connect with your toddler or young child when you are unwell so they feel secure and nurtured. -
In focus
In focus: Parenting with a mental illness
Emerging MindsParenting with mental illness can be hard. But reflecting on the potential impacts will help you recognise when you need further support and implement strategies, to ensure you and your family can manage the more difficult times with strength and resilience. -
Fact sheet
Will they get better? A guide for children of parents recovering from mental illness
Emerging MindsThis resource was developed to reassure children whose parents are recovering from mental illness. It answers common questions about what recovery looks like, treatments including therapy and medication, and how to stay connected to a parent if they need to spend time in hospital. -
Fact sheet
Depression and anxiety in new parents
Emerging MindsThis resource explores depression and anxiety in new parents. It aims to help you understand that depression and anxiety are common around the time of your baby’s birth and during their first year of life. It also explores what to do if you or your partner is at risk or showing signs of mental health difficulties. -
Fact sheet
Getting help when your parent is living with mental illness: a guide for teens
Emerging MindsThis resource was developed to help young people understand how to seek help for themselves when a parent has a mental illness. This includes talking to others, whether a family friend or counsellor; having questions answered; and what to do if they feel unsafe. -
Fact sheet
Building your support networks: a guide for parents living with mental illness
Emerging MindsThis resource was developed to prompt parents living with mental illness to think about their ‘village’ – the people around them who they can call on to provide support to themselves and their children when the parent is unwell. Parents without a strong support network are provided with suggestions on how to strengthen these. -
Fact sheet
When your parent has a mental illness
Emerging MindsThis resource was developed to answer some of the questions young people may have when they learn their parent has been diagnosed with a mental illness. -
Fact sheet
Building your child’s support networks when you experience mental illness
Emerging MindsThis resource introduces parents living with mental illness to the importance of having support networks for their children and how to use My child’s support network guide. The guide, which was developed in partnership with parents who live with a mental illness, their children and supporters, is designed to help parents think about the relationships in their child's life and ways to strengthen these to support their child and the family too. -
Fact sheet
Staying connected to your children when living with mental illness
Emerging MindsThis resource was developed as a guide for parents living with mental illness who have to spend some time away from their children (such as being in hospital) as part of their treatment and recovery. It outlines why remaining connected is important for children’s resilience and some of the simple ways parents can connect with their children while experiencing mental illness. -
Fact sheet
Looking after yourself: a guide for young people caring for a parent
Emerging MindsThis resource has been developed to help young people who do a lot to help their parent experiencing mental illness (and by extension their family) recognise when it’s time to ask for help and what kinds of support may be available.