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Supporting a Child with Severe Mental Illness:
A Guide to Stability and Care

Author:
Jemma Strain
Jemma Strain
B.S. Psychology
Editor:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
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If your child is showing signs of a severe mental illness, you are undoubtedly feeling a wide range of emotions. You might be feeling scared, fearful, or even guilty. However, severe mental illnesses in teens are not the result of bad choices or parenting. They’re a perfect storm of genetics, biology, and experiences. 

Severe mental illness can affect a teenager’s emotions, thoughts, actions, and prospects for the future. This can mean the whole family can be affected. While you might be highly concerned about their well-being, with early, consistent treatment, a teenager can manage their condition, overcome challenges, and lead a healthy, productive life. 

If you’re concerned about severe mental illness in your child, it’s important to seek professional advice. Severe mental illness often requires a collaborative approach to help you and your child cope. This article can help guide you towards the right steps to take, as it discusses:

  • How to care for a child with severe mental health issues
  • Understanding severe childhood depression
  • Caring for a child with bipolar disorder
  • Mental health care for kids with schizophrenia
  • Steps to supporting a child with severe mental illness
Supporting a Child with Severe Mental Illness

Caring for a Child With Severe Mental Health Issues

Severe mental illness (SMI) is an umbrella term which is sometimes used to describe conditions such as:

 
Research shows that approximately 50% of teenagers in the U.S. experienced a mental health condition of some sort – but 22% of this group had a severe impairment. While coping with a mental health condition of any type can be challenging, if a teenager has a severe mental illness, they may face extra difficulties in receiving a diagnosis and treatment.1,2

Trying to find the right help for a child with severe mental illness can be a major worry for parents, but professional guidance is available to you in this process. Perhaps one of the best steps you can take is learning about your child’s condition, as this can help you understand how to support them in coping with their difficulties. 

We discuss each of the conditions considered to be severe mental illness below to help raise your awareness and understanding of how to move forward. 

Understanding Severe Childhood Depression

Childhood depression, also known as major depression, affects approximately five million adolescents in the U.S., making it the most common form of depression. Additionally, severe depression causes significant impairment for nearly four million of these teenagers.3

Major depression involves symptoms such as a persistent low mood, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It lasts for at least two weeks and seriously impacts a teen’s daily life – for most of the day, every day. In some cases, a teenager with severe depression might also experience episodes of psychosis, or removal from reality.4

The signs of severe depression can vary between teenagers with the condition. Some might seem melancholy or “numb,” while others might experience “anxious distress,” which can lead to tense, restless thoughts and actions. Yet, the one thing about severe depression that is certain, is that it can seriously affect a teenager’s emotional and physical health – potentially in long-term ways if left untreated. 

If you’re worried about the symptoms of severe childhood depression in someone you know, it’s important to talk to a medical and mental health professional about your concerns. Major depression is a treatable condition and is often targeted through the following methods.

Treatment for Severe Childhood Depression

  • Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising, can fuel the body and naturally boost “feel good” chemicals in the brain
  • Education: Learning about major depression and how it can affect a teenager’s mood, outlook, and actions can help teens and their families better understand where it comes from and how to cope. Support groups for teenage depression can help

Caring for a Child With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders are mental health conditions that cause intense emotions, affecting a teenager’s mood, energy, and ability to function in day-to-day life. Although bipolar disorder is a form of depression, not only is it characterized by periods of low mood, but it also causes extreme “highs” in emotions. These low and high moods are much more intense than regular good and bad moods and are called “mania” and “hypomania.”5

The symptoms of bipolar disorder in teenagers can vary. Some teens might get more highs than lows, while others may experience the reverse. Plus, some teens with bipolar disorder may have “mixed episodes” in which they experience mania and hypomania at once, potentially creating confusion and even more difficulty coping with emotions.6

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 2.9% of teenagers in the U.S. have bipolar disorder, with 2.6% experiencing significant impairment in their life. Further, bipolar disorder tends to occur more frequently in female youths than males. When bipolar disorder begins as early as adolescence it can have even more long-term impacts on a teen’s life, highlighting the need for early support.7

If you’re concerned about bipolar disorder in a teen, professional medical and mental health advice can ensure you get the support you need, including the following options.

Treatment for a Child With Bipolar Disorder:

  • Medication: Medications, such as antipsychotics, can help balance the moods associated with bipolar disorder
  • Education: Learning about bipolar disorder and how it affects a teenager’s life can help them understand their symptoms and how to cope with them. Government resources and support groups can help

Mental Health Care for Kids With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. Specifically, a teen with schizophrenia may experience beliefs and thoughts that wouldn’t be considered “normal” and psychosis, which is difficulty telling things that are real from things that are not. As a result of these issues, a teenager with schizophrenia might have a psychotic episode, which might include hallucinations and delusions.8

Schizophrenia in teenagers is rare, with only 1% of Americans being affected. It typically doesn’t occur in women until their 20s or 30s, but males can be more prone to developing schizophrenia in their teenage years.9

The causes of schizophrenia are still relatively unknown, but professionals believe that it is the result of genetics, biology, and experiences. For instance, someone with a family member with schizophrenia may be more likely to develop it. Similarly, a teenager who has experienced trauma might also be at increased risk of schizophrenia.10

As schizophrenia can cause a teenager to lose touch with reality, it can affect their ability to function in daily life, creating significant challenges for their emotional, social, and physical health. Understandably, this can be highly distressing for teens and their loved ones. Additionally, there tends to be a delay between the onset of symptoms and receiving treatment – meaning that the condition can worsen without support.11

Schizophrenia is often treated with coordinated specialty care, depending on a teen’s unique needs and symptoms. A doctor or mental health professional can talk to teens and their families about the most suitable treatment options, including the following.

Treatment for Teenage Schizophrenia:

  • Medications: Antipsychotics are often used for teenagers who experience psychotic episodes or breaks from reality

  • Talking therapy: Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family counseling can be effective in treating the thoughts and beliefs associated with schizophrenia, helping teens cope in healthy ways. Outpatient and residential programs may also be suitable for their needs

  • Lifestyle changes: A teen with schizophrenia might need support in learning about their condition. They may also require accommodations in school to help them feel socially confident and able to learn and succeed

Supporting a Child With Severe Mental Illness

Supporting a child with severe mental illness can be challenging, but it can help to keep hold of hope while maintaining realistic expectations. With treatment, your child can and will start to cope with their condition, but it can take time and effort. The following steps can help you support them in this process

Try to Understand How They’re Feeling

Coping with a severe mental illness can cause a teenager to think, feel, and act in ways that are far removed from their typical personality. This can be difficult to understand and relate to as a parent – which could create turmoil and conflict in the family dynamic. Understanding your child’s condition and how it makes them feel can help you support them, or help them find ways to support themselves. 

Government websites, such as the National Institute of Mental Health can provide resources for different mental health conditions. Additionally, mental health services can also help you understand your child’s issues. 

Online and in-person support groups for family members of teenagers with severe mental illnesses can also facilitate learning about certain conditions and sharing experiences.

Create a Supportive Environment

How to build an environment in which your child feels more comfortable and supported may depend on their condition and needs. A professional can advise you on this process, but taking the following steps can also help your child feel supported.

  • Regularly check in with them about how they’re feeling and coping
  • Help them create a daily sleep, eating, and exercise routine
  • Spend quality time with them, factoring in fun activities
  • Help them focus on their strengths and how to use these for better coping

Seek Professional Support

It can be very difficult to cope with severe mental illness by yourself – and it’s not advisable to do so. If your child has a mental health condition such as severe depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, they likely need multidisciplinary support from doctors and mental health professionals. The first person you should talk to is your doctor, as they can do a physical assessment and refer you to the necessary services for your child’s symptoms and needs. 

You can also make an appointment with mental health services who can advise you on how to:

Look After Your Own Well-Being

It’s important to support your own mental health while looking after that of your teenager. Feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope doesn’t make you a bad parent – it makes you human, with normal reactions to a difficult situation. Plus, if you don’t look after your own well-being, you’ll be less capable of helping your teen manage theirs. 

Try to recognize moments when you’re feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or stressed. In these moments, aim to practice self-care or mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing. Your support systems are important during this time; perhaps think about asking a family member to take over for a moment or choose to share what you’re going through with a close friend. 

Additionally, support groups and professional mental health support can also help you look after your mental health during this time. Research shows that family-led programs, which are typically led by people with family members with severe mental illness, can improve the well-being of the whole family.12

Supporting a Child with Severe Mental Illness: A Guide to Stability and Care

When to Seek Help for Caring for a Child With Severe Mental Health Issues

If your child is experiencing the signs of a severe mental illness, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Asking for support is a sign of strength – it takes courage to recognize that you can’t do everything by yourself. 

Mission Prep’s team of trained mental health professionals offers comprehensive and individual outpatient and residential treatment for teens with severe mental illness in various locations. We understand that the different severe mental illnesses in teenagers can have varying effects, so we help by creating a treatment package that caters to each teenager’s specific needs. With time and support, it is possible to cope with severe mental illness and plan for a positive future. Contact us today for support and advice.  

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Prevalence of any mental disorder among adolescents. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness#:~:text=to%20low%20precision.-,Prevalence%20of%20Any%20Mental%20Disorder%20Among%20Adolescents,U.S.%20adolescents%20aged%2013%2D18.&text=An%20estimated%2049.5%25%20of%20adolescents,used%20to%20determine%20severity%20level.
  2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Psychosis. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK368430/
  3. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Major depression. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
  4. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
  5. American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What are bipolar disorders? Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders
  6. Lewinsohn, P. M., Seeley, J. R., & Klein, D. N. Bipolar disorders during adolescence. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 108, 47-50. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.108.s418.10.x
  7. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder
  8. Royal College of Psychiatrists. (n.d.). Schizophrenia: Information for young people.
  9. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Mental health disorder statistics. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
  10. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Schizophrenia: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443
  11. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved March 20, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia
  12. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Serious mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/serious-mental-illness#:~:text=Family%2Dled%20programs%2C%20many%20led,people%20with%20serious%20mental%20illnesses.

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