It's free (even from mobiles) - and you can talk about ANYTHING!
Videos explain what your parent might be experiencing
Matthew and Amalia explain what mental illness is and how to understand symptoms your parent may experience. |
Koolta - rapping about having a parent with a mental illness
Check it out.
Keep these in mind...
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These fun YouTube clips are about things you should keep in mind if you live with a parent who has a mental illness. |
What does it feel like to have depression?
This video explains what it feels like for someone who experiences depression.
Getting help
It's important to get help when you need it
If you need to talk to someone, call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, at any time on any phone for free.
Sometimes people feel awkward or nervous about asking for help, but it's worth it if it means less stress for you and your family.
Which of these sounds like you?
Click on the link that describes how you feel - and we'll tell you what could help.
You can also view this video ('looking after you') which covers some important things you need to know and things that can help you to feel better.
What happens when you talk to a counsellor?
A counsellor is a person who has been professionally trained to talk to people about different types of problems.
- They work in all kinds of organisations (like schools, universities, health centres and workplaces).
- Your conversations with counsellors are private.
- They are there to listen to what’s on your mind and not to judge you.
- They’ll talk to you about how you’re feeling and coping with things and ask you questions to help you to find solutions to your problems or suggest other things that might help.
- Rememeber that counsellors are used to hearing from people in similar situations to you! You can speak to one at Kids Helpline at any time.
Finding the right words
I was worried that if I told the school it would get me or my family into trouble. It’s been the opposite though. I’ve been able to get extensions on homework, and I don’t get told off anymore if I’m late because of Mum. They also got some help for Mum through a local mental health organisation.
Ethan, 16
- It can be hard to know how to start a conversation or to ask for help, particularly if you’re feeling overwhelmed or sharing your thoughts is new for you.
- Lots of young people feel shy or ashamed. The first thing to remember is that you are not betraying your parent if you ask for help and you have nothing to be ashamed about.
- Consider starting with a small statement, like these below:
‘My Mum/Dad has a mental illness and I’ve been finding things really hard. I was wondering if we could talk about it because I think I need some help.’
Go on - give it a go talking to someone. It's worth it!
Videos explain what your parent might be experiencing
Matthew and Amalia explain what mental illness is and how to understand symptoms your parent may experience. |
Koolta - rapping about having a parent with a mental illness
Check it out.
Keep these in mind...
![]() |
These fun YouTube clips are about things you should keep in mind if you live with a parent who has a mental illness. |
Need some help? Call Kids Helpline!

It's free (even from mobiles) - and you can talk about ANYTHING!
What does it feel like to have depression?
This video explains what it feels like for someone who experiences depression.