Talking or keeping silent about parental mental health problems: A grounded theory of parents’ decision-making about whether or not to talk to their children about parental mental health difficulties

This Grounded Theory study explored parents’ experiences of responding to their children’s need for understanding parental mental health concerns. Fifteen parents with severe and enduring mental health difficulties participated in the study. The findings suggest four main social processes that influence parents’ talk with their children about parental mental health issues, namely: “Protecting and being protected”, “Responding to children’s search for understanding”, “Prioritizing family life” and “Relating to others.” Implications of the findings for clinical practice and future research are considered. In particular, the need for more family-orientated services where parents experience parental mental health problems is highlighted.