Resources for Parents with a Mental Illness and their Support People

Book/s

Website/Online

Helpline/s

Package/Kits

Factsheet/Pamphlets

Newsletter/s

CD/DVD/Videos

Care Plans

Other Literature

Book/s

Children of Parents with Mental Illness   Vicki Cowling   2004
Children of Parents with Mental Illness is a groundbreaking study into the frequently overlooked impact on children whose parents have a mental illness. By balancing theory with first-hand experiences from parents and adult children, it examines the nature of a wide range of psychological disorders.Through case studies, it analyses a parent's ability to still function in the role of caregiver, and the impact their illness can have on their children. Children of Parents with Mental Illness describes a possible model of inter-agency support and provides information that was initiated in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne.
Available via: Email
ACER Press
347 Camberwell Rd Camberwell 3124  (03) 9835 7447
Email:  sales@acer.edu.au
Web:http://www.acer.edu.au

Family Talk   COPMI  
A booklet written with and for families in which a parent has a mental illness or mental health problem and contains tips and information for parents, children and young people and others who care, Also included are 'press out' cards for children and young people to use to record their important phone numbers. Available from this site or via the online order form.
Available via: Web
COPMI
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au

Hearing Our Voices   Toni Payne  
Carers NSW Stories from carers of people with a mental illness. A collection of 10 moving and hopeful stories from carers of people with a mental illness. This book contains a number of different perspectives on caring: those of parent carers, siblings, spouses and children. There is also a story from an Aboriginal carer and two from a non-English speaking background. The stories deal with both the practical and emotional issues of caring.
Available via: Postal Address
Carers NSW
Level 17, 323 Castlereagh St Sydney, NSW 2000  1800 242 636

Hidden Victims/Hidden Healers   Julie Tallard Johnson   1998
For adult children of mentally ill parents. A very practical guide that will help you realise that there are alternatives to common patterns of coping. You can care for your mentally ill loved one without losing sight of your own needs.
Available via: Postal Address
ARAFMI (NSW) Inc
PO Box 302 North Ryde, NSW 1670  (02) 9887 5897

Journeys with the Black Dog: Inspirational stories of bringing depression to heel   Edited by: Tessa Wigney, Kerrie Eyers & Gordon Parker   2007
In 'Journeys with the Black Dog' many people share their stories of living with depression. Personal stories of first symptoms, the path to getting diagnosed, the confusion and frustration, and all the many ways of keeping depression at bay - whatever it takes. Written with raw honesty and sharp humour, these stories demonstrate it is possible to gain control over depression.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Review available from:http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/media/newsdesk/documents/ReviewsofJourneyswiththeBlackDog.pdf

Making Time to Talk   National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)   2006
Advice for parents with mental illness. Sharing good parenting practice methods and and explanation on how children may think or feel.
Available via: Web
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland)
Claremont House, 130 East Claremont Street 130 Claremont Street, Edinburgh  EH7 4LB  0131 557 8969
Email:  info@nsfscot.org.uk
Web:http://www.nsfscot.org.uk
Review available from:www.nsfscot.org.uk

Mums and Dads - Parents with experience of mental illness share their stories   Mental Health Commission and Kites (NZ)   2005
12 PARENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED MENTAL ILLNESS SHARE THEIR STORIES TO INSPIRE OTHERS
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.kites.org.nz/pdf/mums-and-dads.pdf

My Parent's Keeper   Eva Marian Brown  
Another book in the series is "My Sister's Keeper" which is about a sibling with mental illness.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
New Harbinger Publications

Out Of The Darkened Room   William R. Beardslee   2002
This book draws on Dr. Beardslee's research in prevention programs with families affected by parental depression - bringing the subject of depression out of the dark and into an open family discussion.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Little, Brown and Company, Boston. ISBN 0-316-08549-9

Out of the Shadows: Daughters growing up with a 'mad' mother   Catherine Camden Pratt   2006
This Australian book brings together eleven women, including the author, who tell their stories of living with a mentally ill mother.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au/common/book_reviews.html

Parenting Well When You're Depressed   Joanne Nicholson   2001
Parents who have experienced depression have actively participated in the development of this resource guide
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
New Harbinger Publishing, Oakland CA ISBN 1-57224-251-5

Robby Rose and Monkey   L.Wilkinson  
A Picture book for children aged 3 - 6 years
Available via: Postal Address
Helen Mayo House, Glenside Hospital
PO Box17 Eastwood,SA 5063  08 83031451

Someone in My Family Has a Mental Illness   Lyne Brindamour and The Family Services of the North Shore, B.C.   2000
'Someone in My Family Has a Mental Illness' is a workbook designed to be used with children by counsellors, mental health practitioners and other professionals in the community. It is also designed for parents and caregivers who wish to educate their children about mental illness.
Available via: Web
The Family Services of the North Shore, British Columbia, Canada
Web:http://www.parentalmentalillness.org

THE BEST FOR ME AND MY BABY   COPMI  
A booklet developed with and for women with a mental health problem or mental illness - and their partners - who are thinking about having a baby, are new parents or are about to have a baby. It encourages health professionals and parents to work together to manage mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood and provides tips for parents and for supporting family and friends. Downloadable from this site or via the online order form.
Available via: Web
COPMI
Web:http://www.copmi.net.au

The Illustrated Mother   Jacqueline Wilson  
The book is about a mother grappling with mental illness and its affect on her two daughters, but is quite comical and written in a light hearted way (Quoted from N Goad)
Available via: Bookstore/Retail

Understanding & Coping With Schizophrenia   Dr. Ken Alexander  
The 14 Principles are adaptable for any mental disorder, not just schizophrenia. To cope with mental illness relatives need education, training and support. This book shows there are positive ways of coping with stress and how to solve the problems of caring. It enables relatives to move from "passive minding" to appropriate assertive caring.
Available via: Postal Address
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
PO Box 359 Clifton Hill, VIC 3068  03 9482 4199

Women Who Love Too Much   Robin Norwood   1991
This book touches on co-dependency and has a section on children of mentally ill parents.
Available via: Bookstore/Retail
COMIC Pocket Books ISBN 0671733419

Wow! I'm a Dad! the most important job I'll ever have.   Developed by: South Western Sydney Area Health Service, Tresilian, Karitane and Northern Sydney and Central Coast Men's Health Unit   2005
The booklet provides practical advice and solutions to common issues faced by first time fathers, and addresses the psychological, emotional and physical changes experienced by first time fathers during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and first few weeks post birth.
Available via: Web
Web:http://menshealth.uws.edu.au/resources.html

Website/Online

A Resource Guide on Parenting for People with Disability in NSW  2007
This website includes Quick Find Service List, Pathways to Parenthood in book, CD and braille formats, as well as Resource Guides on Planning for Pregnancy, equipment and adapted aides for pregnancy, support and information for early years (8-10 years), advocacy services, etc.
Available via: Web
NSW Network of Women with Disability and the Pathways to Parenthood Project Team
40 Albion Street, NSW, Australia Harris Park 2150  1800 629 072
Email:  women@mdaa.org.au
Web:http://www.femability.org.au/parenting_with_disability.htm

AICAFMHA  
Actively promoting the mental health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and their families/carers.
Available via: Web
AICAFMHA
Web:http://www.aicafmha.net.au/

CHILD AND YOUTH HEALTH (South Australia)  
Site includes comprehensive information on parent and child health, teen health, young adult health and kids health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.cyh.sa.gov.au

COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers)  
COMIC is comprised of a group of adults who share a common interest for children of parents with a mental illness. The group shares a common perception of the past failure by the mental health services to acknowledge and support them as children with special needs and assistance.
Available via: Web
COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers)
Email:  comic.admin@bigpond.com
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

HEADROOM  
Site for young people 12-18 years, 6-12 years, parents and professionals regarding child and adolescent mental health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.headroom.net.au/

ITSALLRIGHT  
A SANE website for young people with family or friends affected by mental illness.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.itsallright.org

MENTAL HEALTH CARER'S website (UK)  

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/

Mental health problems during pregnancy and after giving birth  2007
This booklet is about the care and treatment of women with mental health problems in the antenatal period (during pregnancy) and in the postnatal period (the first year after giving birth) in the NHS in England and Wales.
Available via: Web
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (UK)
Web:http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG45/publicinfo/pdf/English/download.dspx

Multicultural Mental Health Australia  

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mmha.org.au

Multicultural Mental Health Australia Website  
A national leader in mental health and suicide prevention for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities the MMHA's objective is to provide consumers, carers and mental health professionals with the latest information on resources, services, research, conferences and events relating to multicultural mental health.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mmha.org.au/

Parenting and Children  2006
An online information sheet about parenting with a mental illness from the UK based Rethink organisation.
Available via: Web
Rethink
Email:  info@rethink.org
Web:http://www.rethink.org/living_with_mental_illness/everyday_living/parenting_children/index.html

PARENTING NSW  
On this site, you'll find practical tips, information and resources to help make parenting a little easier.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.parenting.nsw.gov.au

PARENTING WELL (USA)  
Includes resources for families and service providers on the topic of parenting and mental illness.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.parentingwell.org/

QUEENSLAND PARENTLINE  

Available via: Web
Web:http://www.parentline.com.au/

Raising Children website (Australia)  
The Australian parenting website. The 'parents like me' section includes information for parents with a mental illness and the site also includes information about local support services and general information for parents.
Available via: Web
Web:http://raisingchildren.net.au/

Young Carers  
Here you will find important information and contacts, along with opportunities to express your opinions and provide feedback. There is an online young carers plan to complete and keep on hand in case of an emergency, and there are games for when you feel like chilling out for a while.
Available via: Web
Web:www.youngcarers.net.au

YoungMinds (UK)  
Includes downloadable information for young people entitled "Mental Illness In Your Family".
Available via: Email
Web:http://www.youngminds.org.uk/family

Helpline/s

CARERS AUSTRALIA  
Free Call 1800 242 636 for a contact in your State
Available via: Phone
 1800 242 636
Web:http://www.carersaustralia.com.au

Just Ask - LIFELINE  
Information for rural and remote consumers/families
Available via: Phone
 1300 131 114
Email:  justask@lifeline.org.au

LIFELINE  

Available via: Phone
  131 114

PARENTLINE  
PARENTLINE is a telephone information service available in the following states: ACT Phone 6278 3995 NSW Phone 13 20 55 QLD Phone 1300 301 300 TAS Phone 1800 808 178 VIC Phone 13 22 89 WA Phone 1800 654 432 SA Phone 1300 364 100
Available via: Phone
 See Description

SANE HELPLINE  
Established in 1998, the SANE Helpline provides information about symptoms, treatments, medications, where to go for support and help for carers.
Available via: Phone
 1800 688 382
Web:http://www.sane.org

Package/Kits

Dual Diagnosis Support Kit  2006
The Dual Diagnosis Support Kit includes information for workers, foster carers, and parents with dual diagnosis - as well as two storybooks for children aged 5 -7 years and 8 -12 years, plus a handy wallet-sized information card for adolescents. The kit is downloadable from the DoCS website and available through the website free of charge.
Available via: Web
 (02) 9716 2356
Web:http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/html/news_publications/dual_diagnosis.htm

STENGTHENING FAMILIES Fact Sheets  
Downloadable fact sheets 'When a parent has a mental illness'
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/index.cfm

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES Fact Sheets  
Downloadable fact sheets 'When a parent has a mental illness' from the National Mental Health Association in the USA.
Available via: Web
National Mental Health Association in the USA
Web:http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/index.cfm

SUPPORTING OUR FAMILY KIT  
Includes Child's Care Plan, Sample Letter for school, Consumer/ family Checklist, Resource List. A Western Australian version of this package is available from the WA Office of Mental Health website, Resources section http://www.mental.health.wa.gov.au/one/aboutus_resources.asp
Available via: Web
COMIC
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

The Coloured Kit: Young Person's Section  2007
This kit has been made to help young people and their families feel better prepared in a crisis. There are four parts to The Coloured Kit: The Introduction, Getting Support, My Care Plan and The Getting Info & Keeping In Touch Sections. There is also a separate booklet called Support Services and Resources that has information about services for young people and families in Canberra and a list of websites and other resources.
Available via: Web
Youth Coalition of the ACT
46 Clianthus St O'Connor, ACT 2602  (02) 6247 3540
Email:  info@youthcoalition.net
Web:http://www.youthcoalition.net/documents/index.php?dir=projects%2FColoured+Kit%2FYPBooklet%2F

Factsheet/Pamphlets

CAN A DEPRESSED PARENT BE A GOOD PARENT? YOU BET!  
This is a downloadable pamphlet.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.experiencejournal.com/depression/pdfs/goodparent.pdf

Facts for Families #17: Children of Alcoholics  2006
A single page fact sheet providing information about the typical characteristics and feelings of children of alcoholics, and how they can be assisted. Available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #39: Children of Parents With Mental Illness  2006
A fact sheet about children who have a parent/s with a mental illness. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #77: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren  2006
A single page fact sheet about grandparents raising their grandchildren. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Malaysian, Polish and Icelandic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #84: Talking to Kids About Mental Illness  2006
A fact sheet giving information about how to talk to children of different ages about mental illness. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Polish, Icelandic, Malaysian and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Facts for Families #89: Coming Home: Adjustments for Military Families  2006
A fact sheet explaining the possible feelings and responses of different family members when the returning family member comes home from military deployment. This resource is available in English, Spanish, German, Malaysian, Polish, Icelandic and Arabic on the website.
Available via: Web
American Academy of Child and Adult Psychiatry
Web:http://www.aacap.org

Parents with Mental Illness - Fact sheets (set of 5)  2006
A set of factsheets to help support parents with a mental illness, and their children.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/resources/HCN1468_KitesSFactSheetsFIN.pdf

Resilience and Well Being for Parents & Carers Brochure  2008
A resource for Parents and Carers, helping to understand the importance of their child's connectedness and belonging to family, school and community.
Available via: Phone
Department of Health and Human Services - Tasmania
 0363362867

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS MENTAL HEALTH AND GROWING UP FACT SHEET 16  
'Parental Mental Illness - the problems for children (for parents and teachers)' Downloadable fact sheet (number 16) from Website.
Available via: Web
Web:http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthandgrowingup.aspx

Talking to My Kids About My Mental Health Concerns  2004
Information for parents about talking to their children and helping them to understand about mental illness.
Available via: Web
Mental Health Association in Texas
Email:  InvisibleChildrensProject@mhatexas.org
Web:http://www.mhatexas.org/57._Talking_to_My_Kids_About_My_Mental_Health_Concerns.pdf

CD/DVD/Videos

HARD WORDS VIDEO  
Aims to raise awareness about the issues facing children who have a parent with a mental illness.
Availabile via: Email ARAFMI Victoria
Email:  admin@arafemi.org.au
Web:http://www.arafemi.org.au

I Love You Like Crazy - Being a Parent with a Mental Illness  
Eight mothers and fathers who have mental illness discuss the challenges they face as parents. No one knows how many parents must cope with mental illness while raising children, but it is a far larger number than is generally realized. (As seen at the 1999 White House Conference on Mental Health). This tape is an introduction to some of the problems these parents are dealing with as they strive to be effective, supportive and loving mothers and fathers.
Availabile via: Web The Mental Illness Education Project
Web:http://www.miepvideos.org/

It's only 1/100th me' Stories of 6 People Challenging Stigma and Discrimination Surrounding Mental Illness.  2007
Challenging Stigma and Discrimination This project is the start of a campaign to challenge stigma and discrimination towards people experiencing mental illness. In the first stage we have produced a DVD of people's stories. The DVD presents personal experiences of stigma, discrimination and the impacts of these. The DVD also describes experiences of inclusion and the importance of being accepted and valued. Go to www.nswcag.org.au and click on PROJECTS and "Challenging Stigma and Discrimination". Copies of the DVD can also be purchased for $5. Contact us at NSW CAG on 9332 0200 or ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Availabile via: Web NSW CAG - New South Wales Consumer Advisory Group
 02 9332 0200
Email:  ycotton@nswcag.org.au.
Web:http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/members/nswcag/index.htm

KOPING (Video and Booket)  
Supporting children and young people whose parents are living with a mental health problem.
Availabile via: Postal Address Child & Youth Mental Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital and Health Service District
289 Wardell Street Enoggera QLD 4051  (07) 3355 8999
Email:  Thy_Meddick@health.qld.gov.au

Raw Youth: Young people and mental health  2004
An eight part documentary series on young people and mental health. Sessions 2 and 8 feature professionals and young people talking about young people and parents with a mental illness.
Availabile via: Email Programme Coordinator 3CR
PO Box 1277 Collingwood 3065  + 61 3 9419 8377
Email:  programming@3cr.org.au
Web:http://www.3cr.org.au/

Care Plans

Care Plan  2000
'CarePlan' for a child to fill out with the help from a parent when well and mental health care professional if necessary. The aim is to have a 'Care Plan' in place should the parent become unwell and need hospitalisation. Children are often concerned who they will stay with and the most frequent question asked is "Who will give me my pocket money?" Can be downloaded from COMIC website and is part of the "Supporting Our Family Kit"
Available via: Web
Email: comic.admin@bigpond.com
Web:http://www.howstat.com/comic

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