The Sibling Experience
Supporting the Sibling(s) of a Child or Youth with Mental Health Challenges
Sibling relationships can be great, and they can also be really difficult. They can become even more difficult if one of the siblings struggles with a mental health challenge. As a parent or caregiver, you may feel strained and overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of everyone in the family, especially when one of your children is in crisis. But there are things you can do to make these situations a little bit more manageable for you and your family. In this resource, we highlight what siblings may be experiencing, how to best support them, and where to go find help.
Part 1: Understanding how sibling(s) might be feeling
Growing up with a sibling who has mental health challenges can impact a child or youth in unique ways, and they may have a harder time understanding and managing their emotions. This page introduces the range of responses and emotions that siblings may experience.
Part 2: How can I support the sibling(s) in my home?
When a child or youth has mental health challenges, it can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers trying to support them, as well as other children in the home. This section highlights some ways you can help sibling(s) to cope.
Part 3: How can I support healthy sibling relationships?
Working to maintain family harmony and encouraging strong sibling relationships is an important part of being a parent or caregiver. This page offers some suggestions on ways to support a healthy relationship between the children and young people in your family.
Part 4: How can I take care of myself?
Having a child or young person with mental health challenges can take a toll on you as a parent or caregiver. To provide the best support for your children, it’s essential that you care for yourself too. Here we offer some concrete strategies you can try.
Part 5: Additional sibling resources
Learn more about the sibling experience and find additional resources for siblings as well as parent and caregivers.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.
If you are a parent/caregiver worried about your child, or a young person looking for help yourself – please reach out. Our network of child and youth mental health centres has 4,000 professionals ready to help children, youth and families with free counselling and treatment. We provide care in person, on the phone and virtually. No problem is too big or small.
Find your closest child and youth mental health centre.