Information for Education Workers

Quotes from children of parents with a mental illness...

8-12 year olds

"It would help if the others could stop teasing you - that they could know there's nothing wrong - anyone could get it if they get stressed out - they could get it!"

"I used to worry about my Mum acting really strangely sometimes and I didn't want my friends to come over."

"Every school should have a breakfast programme."

"Mum used to be really sad and talk about hurting herself, so I was worried about leaving her alone."

"It'd help if I had someone to take me to school on the days when Mum stays in bed all morning 'cos I hate being late all the time."

"My Mums cool, but sometimes she gets really sad and just stays in bed for days and won't get up and get dressed or anything - I don't know what to do."

"We used to get scared when Dad threw wobblies and said really crazy things. He gets help now and he's good fun."

13-18 year olds

"Mum has a problem which means she can't handle leaving the house?that's OK and I want to help her but I hate having to do all the shopping."

"I was always on edge leaving Mum alone when I knew she wasn't well. Once she got some help I could relax a bit."

"It seemed sometimes that my teacher was the only who asked how I was - everyone else was just so worried about Dad."

"School could be more lenient in assignment deadlines and realise the added responsibility the children have in caring for their parent and other children in the family."

"The school could assist by setting up after school study groups because it is very difficult to study at home."

"It is difficult to seek extensions with assignments because it is hard to explain your situation."

"I was lucky enough to have a great school counsellor at my high school. She helped me organise meetings with my teachers to explain my situation, got me involved in a support group and helped me find information on my mother's illness."

"I used to be scared to go to school and leave Dad home alone because when he's ill he can get really stressed out, but now I know there are people who can help him."

"I really love my Dad and want to help but sometimes I get so tired and confused with everything that's happening - in his head and in my life!"