Campaign highlights communication between parents and children regarding mental health struggles in Denmark

Maria Rask, now 24, vividly recalls her experiences as a 13-year-old returning home from school to find her mother still in bed, unkempt and withdrawn from social events. Unbeknownst to her, Maria’s mother struggled with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, leading Maria to mistakenly believe she was the cause of her mother’s condition. “I started to isolate myself from others in my class. I thought I had made my mother sick, and if I could do that, perhaps I could make my father sick too,” she reflected.

A new campaign launched by mental health organizations emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents with mental illnesses and their children. Tina Mastrup, a senior child consultant, noted that nearly one in three parents with mental health issues finds it challenging to discuss their conditions with their kids. “It’s crucial to explain to children what is happening and why. Otherwise, they might think, ‘Maybe it’s my fault that my mother sleeps so much,'” she explained.

Maria recalls feeling scared the first time she learned about her mother’s illness, after multiple anxiety attacks led to her mother’s hospitalization. The family received assistance in explaining the situation to their three children, which greatly relieved Maria’s mother, Connie.

“Simply stating that I have severe recurring depression is not helpful,” Connie said. “It’s important for children to understand without overwhelming adult terms.”

Today, while Connie still battles her illness, establishing mutual understanding has made daily life easier. Open discussions about tough topics like suicide and self-harm are vital, according to Connie, who acknowledges their importance in her family’s journey. “You can still be a good parent despite having a mental illness,” Mastrup concluded. For Maria, the shared language around her mother’s struggles has alleviated some of her guilt, although she recognizes it’s ongoing work.