Advice from other teens/young adults

We spoke to teens living with parents who have a mental illness – about the best advice they would give other young people.

Here’s what they said... 

• “Take it a day at a time.”
• “Know that knowledge and time will make it easier to manage.”
• “Remember to have time apart sometimes. Time out and a place to escape to can help.
• “You don’t have to be perfect – you can show it when you’re struggling.”
• “Don’t blame yourself.”
• “Looking after you actually helps your parents.” 
• “Think about what is important to you - what are your interests, what are your goals? Focus on these.” 

• “It’s normal to feel confused about how to help your parent – or to feel responsible, even though you are not.
• “Focus on the good things. Surround yourself with positive people, positive thoughts - be optimistic.”
• “You may feel alone or be struggling – but there is lots of help out there.”
• “If you just call one person – you can find new pathways and a door to help.”
• “Remember the experience is different for everyone.”
• "You can feel very alone at times – and it’s hard to talk to people. But keep in touch with family and friends. Communication is important.”
• "Accept your parent – they are still a person, just ‘unique’. They still have strengths.”
• “Be careful when looking on the internet – lots of information on Google can be wrong. Go to a reliable site.”
• “Don’t push yourself into drugs or anything that can lead down into a dark path.”
• “Remember you’re no different to anyone else – you just have a parent with a mental illness.”

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