Home > Kids & Teens/Young Adults > Teens/Young Adults > What you need to know

What you need to know

So you have a parent with a mental illness…
It can be tough - but the info here can help you get your head around it.

Check it out

There are some things you really need to know – check out the fun YouTube messages below.
Then go to all the information you need about mental illness (on the RIGHT!) - including how to cope with it and what you can do to help your parents and yourself.

Message 1
You are not alone – there are other young people who have a parent with a mental illness.

Message 2
You didn’t cause your parent’s illness - and it’s not up to you to make them better.

Message 3
Mental illness is just like a physical illness – anyone can have one.

Message 4
It’s good to find out about your parents illness - and it’s ok to ask questions.

Message 5
It’s ok to talk about how you feel. Don’t push it aside.

Message 6
It’s good to have someone to talk with – make sure it’s someone you can trust.

Message 7
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed about mental illness.

Message 8
It’s ok to have feelings and be angry, frustrated or upset.

Message 9
It’s good to take time out to do something you enjoy. It’s not selfish.

Message 10
You have a right to feel safe. Make a list of people you can call.

What you need to know

Need to talk to someone?

Lifeline Australia
13 11 14
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800

Koolta: rapping about parental mental Illness

How does it feel when someone is depressed?

Contact Us

Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI)
Ground Floor, 77 King William Road
North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006

Telephone: +61 8 8367 0888
Fax: +61 8 8367 0999
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Legals

Site Help

Stay in Touch

Youtube

The Children Of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) national initiative is funded by the Australian Government.

© Copyright 2013 AICAFMHA.