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Growing up with a parent who has mental health or addiction problems can bring uncertainty, stress and extra responsibility. The child is not to blame and does not have to cure the parent; support from reliable adults can be protective.
- Worrying a lot about the parent, poor sleep, stomach ache, headache or being constantly on alert.
- Guilt, shame or thinking the child caused the problems or must solve them.
- Tell a trusted adult what things are like at home; asking for help is not betrayal.
- Remember that you did not cause the illness or addiction and cannot cure it.
- Contact the GP if worries at home affect the child's sleep, mood, school or health.
- For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.
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