Parents'/guardians' experiences of mental health problems encountered by their adolescent children

Abstract

The reason behind this thesis was to investigate the parents' feelings, emotions, and experiences of the mental health problems encountered by their adolescent children, and to identify what may be done to improve present services so that they are better supported in these circumstances. This was done by utilising an interview schedule, and six interviews with parents of adolescents were held. Semi-structured interviews were carried out. The interview guide was constructed by the researcher herself after an extensive literature review. The findings this research study has provided evidence about what parents go through when their adolescent son/daughter encounters mental health problems. The themes identified in this study were: the initial feelings and emotions felt by parents; the practical aspects of parenting; and support and knowledge. They have expressed the need for more time with the consultant psychiatrist, for more information, and also more frequent follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist when in crisis. They have also expressed the need for more support from their adolescent's school staff. The researcher hopes that the findings of this study may help to improve the present services available locally for these parents and their adolescent children so that their needs are met, and supported. It is of extreme importance that these parents feel that they are not alone, and that there is help available for them and their families.