9: Service-related mental health conditions; moral injury
This module is only for those families who have experienced a parent with a service-related mental health condition or moral injury. It contains some sensitive issues.
Support is available through Open Arms 1800 011 046 (defence specific, but available to family and extended family) or Lifeline 13 11 14 (general support).
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Please note, this diagram has been chosen because it is clear and concise, not because it is about child protection.
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Personal experiences
These personal stories have been included to show the types of experiences families work their way through together.
These 3 stories are from one family.
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Educational activities in Children's Resources
To accompany this module, please use the following resources from Children's Resources:
1. Oh, by the way, my Mum has PTSD: Nathan's story eBook and accompanying resources, including a downloadable, printable eBook, audio and video read-along versions, extension teaching activities and printable teaching materials.
2. In sickness and in health: Sam's story eBook and accompanying resources, including a downloadable, printable eBook, 2 audio and a video read-along version, extension teaching activities and printable teaching materials.
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Other resources
There is some good research-based information in these online articles.
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Problematic alcohol or other drug use can make it harder for you to care for your children and give them what they need.
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We need to look after ourselves before we can look after others.
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Strategies for addressing abuse, violence, trauma and grief in the family.
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Conflict is natural in relationships. The important thing is how you handle it. Constructive conflict management is good for your children and good for your relationship.
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Talking about tough topics reassures your child, helps your child understand things, and lets you explain family values.
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Expert in childhood stress management Dr. Stuart Shanker believes taking action in pre-school years can help to prevent or minimize the stress children experience as they grow up.
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Having good mental health is a key part of overall wellbeing for children and adults alike.
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Good mental health helps children develop socially, emotionally, mentally and physically.
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A very powerful way to support your child and family is to help them to understand your illness and its symptoms.
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Most parents wonder about how they should talk to their child about parental mental illness.
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Talking Mental Health is an animation designed to help begin conversations about mental health in the classroom and beyond.
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This video explains some of the things you can try when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts.
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Although this is about traumatic news in the media, there are many lessons that apply to news closer to home.
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This article recommends 3 movies that support children's understanding of a wide range of emotions.
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Dots with Feelings is a resource for feelings exploration that can help the children you work with express more about how they are feeling.