Celebrating World Mental Health Day: supporting parents of child abuse on their journey to healing

Each year, World Mental Health Day has a specific theme focusing on different aspects of mental health. The themes are chosen to address relevant issues and raise awareness and challenges related to mental well-being.  

Mental health is a universal human right

This year’s theme: “Mental health is a universal human right”, aims to enhance knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with mental health conditions continue to experience human rights infringements. Many face isolation and discrimination from their communities, and even more people struggle to access essential mental health care, often subjected to care that violates their fundamental human rights. Having a mental health condition should never deprive individuals of their human rights or exclude them from decisions about their health.

Supporting parents of Child Abuse on the Journey to Healing

When addressing mental health concerning child sexual abuse (CSA) and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), it is important to recognise the profound emotional impact these traumatic events can have on a person. This situation can affect a person’s social development and lead to long-term consequences. As we engage in this discussion, we must shed light on the effects of abuse on families.

While providing the necessary care for their children, parents desperately need assistance with their challenges and often struggle with the stigma associated with child abuse. Indeed, as children deal with their post-traumatic emotions following the disclosure of abuse, parents find it difficult to witness their children’s pain while navigating their own turmoil. Many parents blame themselves for not recognising the signs of abuse or their perceived inability to protect their children from harm. These thoughts can potentially cause emotional distress and impact parents’ mental health.

Understanding child abuse's effects on children and parents is crucial to breaking the cycle of silence. Parents need assistance to manage their emotional struggles while laying a solid foundation for their children's recovery. It is essential to seek professional help from mental health experts, therapists and support groups specialising in trauma and abuse.

If you are a parent or caregiver or know someone facing these difficulties, please ask for assistance. If you need support, locate your national Safer Internet Centres or contact a professional.

Learn more about World Mental Health Day on the website of the World Health Organisation, and keep an eye on #WorldMentalHealthDay on social media.  

This article references a recent INHOPE article and is reproduced here with permission. Read the full article on the INHOPE website.