Nisha Pandey

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The Silent Struggle Of Raising A Child With Mental Health Challenges: How Parents Can Cope With Stigma

When a child struggles with mental health issues, parents may tend to find themselves dealing with more than concern about their child's well-being. 

Judgement from people around them, including relatives, friends, neighbours and other parents can add guilt and shame to an already challenging experience. Some families may even withdraw socially to avoid uncomfortable questions.

A recent study promoted by News-Medical found that parents may feel judged when they feel they are not able to live up to the definition of a "good parent." The researchers interviewed 24 parents whose children had mental health challenges.

The belief that a child's behavioural difficulties reflect poor parenting makes it harder for families to seek help. Parents may be told to discipline their child more strictly or change their parenting style, even when the child needs special care. 

“Stigma often hurts parents as much as the condition hurts the child,” says Dr. Anupam Madaan, Attending Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis, Jalandhar told HealthandMe.

But parents do not have to navigate this on their own. Understanding <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/ai-anxiety-at-work-is-the-fear-of-becoming-irrelevant-affecting-employee-mental-health-article-156307214" data-type="tilCustomLink">mental health</a> conditions, seeking timely treatment and creating a supportive home environment can help children cope with their challenges without carrying the burden of stigma.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-drugs-may-offer-mental-health-benefits-reduce-schizophrenia-relapses-lancet-study-article-156345910" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet Study</a>

"Mental health problems are still widely misunderstood," Dr. Shiv Prasad, MD Psychiatry, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital told HealthandMe.

Many people assume that a child's emotional or behavioural difficulties result from poor parenting, a lack of discipline or an inadequate upbringing.

He said, "There is also a lack of awareness about mental health conditions. While people are generally more comfortable discussing physical illnesses, they may hesitate to talk about depression, anxiety, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/adhd-debunking-common-misconceptions-about-adhd-article-151001780" data-type="tilCustomLink">ADHD</a>, or other mental health concerns. As a result, parents may feel ashamed, isolated, or afraid of what others will say. Many also worry about their child’s future and how society will treat them."

In India, where family reputation and social expectations often matter, parents may worry about being blamed by relatives, neighbours or their child's school. This can lead to guilt and hesitation in seeking professional help. 

“Children's mental health conditions come from a mix of genetics, brain development, stress and life events. Ordinary parenting choices do not cause them,” Dr. Madaan explains. 

He speaks about the National Mental Health Survey, which reported a prevalence of about 7.3% among adolescents aged 13 to 17 across 12 states. A 2026 review of studies in India also identified stigma as a major barrier to adolescents seeking mental health care.

<h2>How Can Parents Protect Their Child From Stigma? </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/attention-deficit-may-be-the-wrong-way-to-understand-adhd-says-us-psychiatrist-article-156322455" data-type="tilCustomLink">Attention Deficit May Be The Wrong Way To Understand ADHD, Says US Psychiatrist</a>

Parents cannot control what others say, but they can decide how they respond and what their child hears at home. 

Dr. Prasad advises parents to focus on their child's needs instead of worrying about how the family is perceived. Seeking professional help should be treated as a responsible step, not a source of shame.

He said, "Speak openly with your child, reassure them that their condition is not their fault, and never label or compare them with others. Set clear boundaries with people who make insensitive comments, and share personal information only with those you trust. Seek professional help when needed and maintain a supportive home environment." 

The language used at home matters, too. If children repeatedly hear that they are a problem, a burden or a source of embarrassment, they may begin to believe it themselves. 

Instead, parents should reassure them that they are loved and valued, and that their mental health difficulties do not define who they are. 

Dr. Madaan recommends explaining the condition early and making it clear that the child is not at fault. This can help prevent internalised stigma, in which children begin to see their illness as a personal weakness. He said, "They may then be less likely to hide their symptoms or avoid seeking help."

Parents should also decide carefully who needs to know about the diagnosis. Dr. Madaan recommends informing the child's class teacher and family doctor early so they can provide appropriate support. He said, "Relatives who are told should respect the child's privacy and avoid discussing the diagnosis in front of the child or at social gatherings."

<h2>Recognising When A Child Needs Professional Help </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/self-diagnosis-could-go-wrong-are-we-overusing-the-words-anxiety-trauma-and-adhd-article-156305862" data-type="tilCustomLink">Self-Diagnosis Could Go Wrong: Are We Overusing The Words Anxiety, Trauma and ADHD?</a>

Stigma can delay treatment, making it important for parents to recognise changes in their child's behaviour and emotional well-being. 

Dr. Madaan advises seeking an assessment when certain symptoms show. 

He said, "Sadness lasting beyond two weeks, a sudden drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends, or changes in sleep and appetite call for a visit to a child psychiatrist."

A child psychiatrist may use screening tools like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for children or the PHQ-A for teenagers. 

Parents should also follow the recommended treatment plan, attend therapy sessions and give prescribed medication as directed. They should consult the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/uk-antidepressants-to-carry-new-warnings-on-suicide-risk-sexual-side-effects-article-156347312" data-type="tilCustomLink">psychiatrist</a> before stopping medication, even if the child appears to be doing better.

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For a child already dealing with mental health challenges, bullying can add another layer of psychological toll. Home should be a place where they feel heard, believed and protected. 

“Parents should encourage open conversations and listen without immediately questioning, blaming, or dismissing the child’s experience,” says Dr. Prasad. 

Responses such as “Why don’t you just ignore them?” or “You must have done something to provoke them” can leave children feeling that they have to manage the problem alone. 

Instead, parents can say, “I am glad you told me. This is not your fault, and we will work through it together.” 

If bullying occurs at school, parents should document incidents and speak to teachers or school authorities. Threats, physical harm and online harassment should be addressed promptly. 

Parents can also encourage healthy friendships and activities that help children recognise their strengths. If bullying begins affecting their sleep, mood, school attendance or self-esteem, professional help could be necessary. 

Caring for a child with mental health challenges can leave parents exhausted. The pressure to manage treatment, family responsibilities and other people's opinions can take a toll on their own mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Madaan said, "Caregiver burnout, a state of exhaustion that can bring low mood and anxiety, is common. Regular meals with fruit, vegetables and protein, seven hours of sleep and a daily walk keep energy steady. A parent support group or a counsellor offers a safe place to talk."

Talking to a counsellor, joining a parent-support group or confiding in family members can also provide a space to talk without fear of judgement. Experts say that parents do not need to manage every aspect of their child's care alone. Looking after their own well-being can help them remain better equipped to support their child.

For Dr. Prasad, tackling stigma begins with changing how families and communities talk about mental health. 

“We should avoid labelling children as ‘abnormal,’ ‘weak,’ or ‘problematic.’ Instead, we should recognise that every child has different needs and may require different kinds of support,” he says.

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When a child struggles with mental health issues, parents may tend to find themselves dealing with more than concern about their child's well-being. Judgement from people around them, including relatives, friends, neighbours and other parents can add guilt and shame to an already challenging experience. Some families may even withdraw socially to avoid uncomfortable questions.A recent study promoted by News-Medical found that parents may feel judged when they feel they are not able to live up to the definition of a "good parent." The researchers interviewed 24 parents whose children had mental health challenges. The belief that a child's behavioural difficulties reflect poor parenting makes it harder for families to seek help. Parents may be told to discipline their child more strictly or change their parenting style, even when the child needs special care. “Stigma often hurts parents as much as the condition hurts the child,” says Dr. Anupam Madaan, Attending Consultant Psychiatrist at Fortis, Jalandhar told HealthandMe. But parents do not have to navigate this on their own. Understanding mental health conditions, seeking timely treatment and creating a supportive home environment can help children cope with their challenges without carrying the burden of stigma. Why Do Parents Feel Judged? Also read: GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet Study"Mental health problems are still widely misunderstood," Dr. Shiv Prasad, MD Psychiatry, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital told HealthandMe. Many people assume that a child's emotional or behavioural difficulties result from poor parenting, a lack of discipline or an inadequate upbringing.He said, "There is also a lack of awareness about mental health conditions. While people are generally more comfortable discussing physical illnesses, they may hesitate to talk about depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health concerns. As a result, parents may feel ashamed, isolated, or afraid of what others will say. Many also worry about their child’s future and how society will treat them." In India, where family reputation and social expectations often matter, parents may worry about being blamed by relatives, neighbours or their child's school. This can lead to guilt and hesitation in seeking professional help. “Children's mental health conditions come from a mix of genetics, brain development, stress and life events. Ordinary parenting choices do not cause them,” Dr. Madaan explains. He speaks about the National Mental Health Survey, which reported a prevalence of about 7.3% among adolescents aged 13 to 17 across 12 states. A 2026 review of studies in India also identified stigma as a major barrier to adolescents seeking mental health care. How Can Parents Protect Their Child From Stigma? Also read: Attention Deficit May Be The Wrong Way To Understand ADHD, Says US PsychiatristParents cannot control what others say, but they can decide how they respond and what their child hears at home. Dr. Prasad advises parents to focus on their child's needs instead of worrying about how the family is perceived. Seeking professional help should be treated as a responsible step, not a source of shame.He said, "Speak openly with your child, reassure them that their condition is not their fault, and never label or compare them with others. Set clear boundaries with people who make insensitive comments, and share personal information only with those you trust. Seek professional help when needed and maintain a supportive home environment." The language used at home matters, too. If children repeatedly hear that they are a problem, a burden or a source of embarrassment, they may begin to believe it themselves. Instead, parents should reassure them that they are loved and valued, and that their mental health difficulties do not define who they are. Dr. Madaan recommends explaining the condition early and making it clear that the child is not at fault. This can help prevent internalised stigma, in which children begin to see their illness as a personal weakness. He said, "They may then be less likely to hide their symptoms or avoid seeking help."Parents should also decide carefully who needs to know about the diagnosis. Dr. Madaan recommends informing the child's class teacher and family doctor early so they can provide appropriate support. He said, "Relatives who are told should respect the child's privacy and avoid discussing the diagnosis in front of the child or at social gatherings."Recognising When A Child Needs Professional Help Also read: Self-Diagnosis Could Go Wrong: Are We Overusing The Words Anxiety, Trauma and ADHD?Stigma can delay treatment, making it important for parents to recognise changes in their child's behaviour and emotional well-being. Dr. Madaan advises seeking an assessment when certain symptoms show. He said, "Sadness lasting beyond two weeks, a sudden drop in school performance, withdrawal from friends, or changes in sleep and appetite call for a visit to a child psychiatrist."A child psychiatrist may use screening tools like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for children or the PHQ-A for teenagers. Parents should also follow the recommended treatment plan, attend therapy sessions and give prescribed medication as directed. They should consult the psychiatrist before stopping medication, even if the child appears to be doing better. If The Child Is Being Bullied            For a child already dealing with mental health challenges, bullying can add another layer of psychological toll. Home should be a place where they feel heard, believed and protected. “Parents should encourage open conversations and listen without immediately questioning, blaming, or dismissing the child’s experience,” says Dr. Prasad. Responses such as “Why don’t you just ignore them?” or “You must have done something to provoke them” can leave children feeling that they have to manage the problem alone. Instead, parents can say, “I am glad you told me. This is not your fault, and we will work through it together.” If bullying occurs at school, parents should document incidents and speak to teachers or school authorities. Threats, physical harm and online harassment should be addressed promptly. Parents can also encourage healthy friendships and activities that help children recognise their strengths. If bullying begins affecting their sleep, mood, school attendance or self-esteem, professional help could be necessary. Parents Need Support Too Also read: GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet StudyCaring for a child with mental health challenges can leave parents exhausted. The pressure to manage treatment, family responsibilities and other people's opinions can take a toll on their own mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Madaan said, "Caregiver burnout, a state of exhaustion that can bring low mood and anxiety, is common. Regular meals with fruit, vegetables and protein, seven hours of sleep and a daily walk keep energy steady. A parent support group or a counsellor offers a safe place to talk."Talking to a counsellor, joining a parent-support group or confiding in family members can also provide a space to talk without fear of judgement. Experts say that parents do not need to manage every aspect of their child's care alone. Looking after their own well-being can help them remain better equipped to support their child.For Dr. Prasad, tackling stigma begins with changing how families and communities talk about mental health. “We should avoid labelling children as ‘abnormal,’ ‘weak,’ or ‘problematic.’ Instead, we should recognise that every child has different needs and may require different kinds of support,” he says.

the silent struggle of raising a child with mental health challenges: how parents can cope with stigma

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