This can stop them from learning and spoil their relationships. When their parent becomes ill again, some children withdraw into themselves, become anxious, and find it difficult to concentrate on their school work. Other children may have more long-term difficulties. They may find it very difficult to talk about their parent s illness, or their problems at home. Children are often ashamed of their parent s illness and worry about becoming ill themselves.
Some children are at special risk of developing a psychiatric disorder themselves.
These include children who have been abused or neglected. In families where someone suffers from manic depression or schizophrenia, there is a small chance of the child developing a similar illness in their teenage years or early twenties. Having a reliable, consistent and caring parent or other adult around. Information and explanation about their parent s illness. Parents and teachers being aware of the possible stresses on the child with a sick parent.