When a child in the family has mental health challenges, siblings often have feelings and experiences that go unseen.
They might feel confused, jealous, worried, or even guilty — and sometimes they hide these feelings to avoid adding stress to their parents.
Supporting siblings is an important part of creating a healthy family environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
Common Feelings Siblings Experience
- Confusion: “Why is my brother getting so much attention?”
- Jealousy: “Why can’t I have special time too?”
- Fear or worry: “Is something wrong with me too?”
- Guilt: “I shouldn’t be upset when my sister is struggling.”
- Loneliness: “I don’t want to bother anyone with my problems.”
How Parents and Caregivers Can Help
- Open Communication: Create space for siblings to share their feelings honestly without judgment.
- Validate Their Experience: Let them know it’s okay to feel upset or jealous — their feelings are real and important.
- Provide Individual Attention: Spend quality one-on-one time with siblings regularly.
- Educate About Mental Health: Age-appropriate information helps siblings understand what their brother or sister is going through.
- Encourage Support Networks: Help siblings connect with friends, counselors, or support groups.
- Watch for Signs of Stress: Be mindful of changes in behavior, mood, or school performance.
Why Supporting Siblings Matters
When siblings feel heard and cared for, the whole family benefits. They can become allies, sources of strength, and important parts of a child’s support system.
Ignoring siblings’ needs can lead to resentment, anxiety, or acting out — which adds more stress to an already complex situation.
Final Thought
Every child in a family deserves to feel seen, safe, and loved — even when one child’s mental health takes center stage.
By nurturing siblings’ emotional health, you’re building a foundation for family resilience that lasts a lifetime.
