What is it about ?
When one of the parents suffers from a mental illness, this can have consequences on the attachment and interaction with the child, and therefore on his development. This is because brain development still continues considerably after birth, especially in babies and young children.
A mother with psychosis is more nervous and less attentive. She laughs less, has eye or other contact less often, and is less sensitive to the baby’s needs.
A mother with depression generally works less well. She is emotionally less available for her child. The newborn will, in turn, tend to laugh less, babble less, and have less social and visual contact with its mother. Because of his more relaxed bond with the mother, he will also be less afraid of strangers.
A mother with a eating disorder often feeds her child differently from another mother. These abnormal eating habits can contribute to the later development of eating disorders such as anorexia.
The existence of a mental illness in a parent can have a negative impact on the psychological development of the child, and therefore on his psychological health in adulthood. The presence of psychological problems in a parent can be associated with an alcohol or drug problem, suicidal or violent behavior, problems in the couple, facts of domestic violence and financial difficulties. Children of mothers with psychosis are at greater risk of developing serious mental health problems. It is therefore desirable to provide for an early and continuous assessment and follow-up of the parents and the child, provided by specialized caregivers, in order to limit the risk of psychological problems in the child.
What is their frequency?
The postpartum depression or postpartum depression is a relatively common disorder (10-20% of mothers). The risk of postpartum depression is higher if the mother already had depression before pregnancy (25%). In a woman who has had postpartum depression in the past, the risk of relapse is about 40%. Factors that promote this risk are relationship dissatisfaction, lack of social support and stressful events that occur during pregnancy.
In what situations does the mental illness of the parent expose the child to risks?
A mother who suffers from a mental illness has a negative impact on the child if:
- She had negative or abnormal mental images of the child before it was born;
- She is not able to have a normal relationship with her child;
- She was admitted several times to a psychiatric hospital during the first years of the child’s life, the latter having to be placed in an institution rather than in a foster family;
- She doesn’t have a social network;
- There are other family problems within the household;
- The child is too involved: he puts himself in the shoes of the parent, he takes on responsibilities for the family and he receives no support from other adults or from his social network.
What can you do ?
If you are a parent and have a mental illness or think you have a high chance of developing one, talk to a healthcare professional (your general practitioner, for example). You can go to ONE, your doctor and / or your nurse for consultations as long as your child has not reached the age of 2.5 years. These consultations are free. You can always seek advice from youth services if you notice that your illness is preventing you from properly educating your child.
What can health care providers do?
The family of the parent who suffers from a mental illness will have to undergo a child-oriented assessment. This assessment puts the best interests of the child first and examines the parents’ ability to bring up the child and the extent of support the child requires.
It is also important that the family and the child understand the mental illness of the parent. The situation must therefore be clearly explained, insisting that no one is responsible for it. The child’s social network must also be supported.
Assessment and support will preferably be organized at home and provided by a team of care providers. There are several questionnaires for the assessment, including the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) which can detect postpartum depression in 10 questions.
The parent may be hospitalized for a short time. If, for example, the parent lives in an imaginary world and the child shares it, intensive treatment is necessary, possibly accompanied by physical separation.
The other parent must be involved in the care of the child and encouraged to take up his educational responsibilities.
Professional caregivers should assess whether the parents are sufficiently capable of ensuring normal mental development of the child. They are therefore attentive to signals that may indicate a problem. Immediate intervention is required:
- In the event of poor interaction between mother and child: the child is withdrawn, shows no interest and makes no contact;
- When the child appears depressed, listless, cries a lot, and looks neglected;
- When the child’s physical development is lagging behind;
- When the mother does not have sufficient skills to raise a child;
- When the mother has a hostile attitude towards her child and expresses thoughts that may pose a threat to the child.
In which situations is an assessment / follow-up of the child necessary?
A child whose physical, intellectual or emotional development is at risk should be assessed and taken care of. The need for evaluation and monitoring can be determined based on a number of factors:
- The child himself presents psychic symptoms such as depression, self-harm, psychotic or compulsive behavior;
- A parent has attempted or committed suicide;
- The parent’s problem is complex and chronic;
- The parent is aimed at the child;
- There is a history of violence, substance abuse, child abuse or sexual abuse;
- The child takes on the role of the parent and has to deal with situations that are beyond him.
Want to know more?
- Born parents – Yapaka
- Postpartum Depression – Being Born and Growing
- Mental health in 20 questions – be born and grow
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- 103-Listen-Children
- Suicide Prevention Center (For the young)
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