Mental illnesses: Help for children of affected parents!

Mental illnesses: Help for children of affected parents!

September 23, 2025 in Cologne will be dedicated to the mental health of families. An important play on the topic “Out of this world or the astronaut has to move on” will be on Mecklenburg State Theater listed. It addresses the effects of mental illnesses of parents on their children. According to estimates, up to 30 percent of adults in Germany are affected, and around half of them have children. This figure makes it clear that a large number of families need support to cope with the burden.

The aim of the piece is to convey to children and young people with mentally ill parents in particular that they are not alone in their situation. The studied psychologist and drama director David Stöhr and his ensemble are working intensively on the topic and would like to offer emotional support to the children affected. “The children’s feelings and thoughts are legitimate,” emphasizes Stöhr. The need to seek help is also discussed, not only for the children but also for the parents themselves.

The reality for affected families

Mental illnesses are often associated with negative effects on children's development. The phase of the first three years of life is particularly critical. Children of depressed parents, for example, have a threefold increased risk of becoming ill themselves. If both parents have this disease, the risk is even shared by around 70 percent. Schizophrenia can also significantly increase the risk of suffering from mental health problems, such as ZDF today informed.

A study has also shown that children react differently to their parents' illness. Some want to help, while others withdraw or become aggressive. It is of great importance that children understand that they are not responsible for their parents' problems. In this context, early support is necessary to ensure the healthy development of children. Pediatricians and family doctors are often the first point of contact to notice behavioral changes in children and can offer tailored therapy options.

Offers of help and support systems

In Germany there is a diverse aid and care system that supports families. According to a study by PMC NCBI It is important to record the support services used and the wishes of the parents. The majority of parents rely on non-professional help from family and friends, and outpatient help is also in high demand. Nevertheless, there are regional differences in the use and needs of families.

The current challenges in care should not be underestimated. The lack of therapy places leads to long waiting times for patients. It is therefore important that corresponding programs and projects, such as the one developed by Stöhr, are increasingly supported. Thanks to financial support from the statutory health insurance companies in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, affected children and their parents can now access these valuable offers and gain new perspectives through art.

The premiere of the play and subsequent performances are free, making participation easier for families who may have difficulty accessing other services. This initiative is another step towards raising awareness of the concerns of children of mentally ill parents and providing them with the support they urgently need.