Mental illness effects everyone in the family, not just the person with the illness.
Over a million Australian children have at least one parent with a mental illness. These children may face many challenges. A range of factors associated with families where a parent experiences mental illness can have a negative impact on a child’s development and wellbeing.
The COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative develops information for parents, their family and friends in support of these kids and young people. This information compliments online training courses developed by COPMI for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs.
Mental illness effects everyone in the family, not just the person with the illness.
COPMI’s information is designed to foster better mental health outcomes for children of parents with a mental illness, reduce stigma associated with parental mental illness and help friends, family and workers in a range of settings identify and respond to the needs of the children and their families where parental mental illness exists.
COPMI resources are developed under the guidance of people who share the experience of living in families where parental mental illness is a part of family life, and of leading researchers and service providers in the mental health field.
Read more about COPMI’s history
The Wilted Rose
The Wilted Rose is the story of one Australian family’s struggle with mental illness during the 1960s and 70s. The story depicts the rise and fall of ambitious young woman Sarah Ross, whose pursuit of a nursing career in the 1950s is challenged by tradition and religion. After Sarah’s mental health deteriorates, her dedicated husband Jack adopts the role of her carer, and their daughter Grace must survive adolescence through great adversity, before their family finally receive a definitive diagnosis for Sarah’s condition. The Wilted Rose is a moving story of passion, heartache, and unbreakable family bonds.
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Mental health support is so very important not only for sufferers but for their families as well. I am so proud that I can use my book to draw much needed attention to this worthy cause.
Kate Kelsen 