The Royal College of Psychiatrists has funded
a short film to help children and young people better understand
mental illness.
One in 12 children in the UK has a parent with
a mental illness. However, it can be difficult to explain mental
health problems in a way that is both easily understood by a young
person, and acceptable as an explanation to their parents and
relevant health professionals.
The
new 16-minute film, called When a parent has a mental
illness, can be watched for free on the Royal College of
Psychiatrists’ website. It was produced by Dr Alan Cooklin, a
consultant in family psychiatry, with funds from the College’s
recent Images of Psychiatry campaign.
In the film, young people talk openly about
their lives caring for a parent with mental illness. They talk
about what they want from mental health professionals, as well as
their concerns and worries.
Narrated by Chineye, a young carer herself,
the film also explains in a very simple and visual way how the
brain works and what happens when things go wrong.
Dr Cooklin said: “Children need a real
explanation of mental illness. Children, even young children, can
often think more complexly than adults if they are given a
chance. This film gives young people the opportunity to begin
discussions about mental illness in a more informed way, in
partnership with professionals, family members and others.”
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
Watch the film on the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/youngpeople/caringforaparent.aspx
Note to editors:
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ three-year Images of Psychiatry campaign ended in July 2008. It aimed to improve understanding of mental health issues and psychiatry, and funded 13 projects across the UK.