While watching the Bookseller’s Children’s Conference this year, the talk that struck me most personally was on Mental Health in Young People, given by author and public health physician Anthony Kessel. Kessel addressed the rise in children’s mental health problems discussing how by the age of 24, 75% of adults mental health issues are already established and 74% percent of them showed signs of this in childhood.

Kessel went on to discuss the beauty in the nature of books themselves and the fact that they can provide escapism and solace for readers from their life troubles. Looking more specifically at children’s books about mental health, Kessel argued that reading about life’s challenges can help children learn to cope and provide them deeper understanding in an age-appropriate way. Relating to his own children’s book series Don’t Doubt the Rainbow, Kessel talked about how weaving mental health into a detective adventure story captivates children’s attention whilst addressing the issue.

During this talk I thought back to my own childhood, as someone who has struggled with their own mental health from a young age, I supported Kessel’s message and understood the value of this type of fiction. Whilst it is key to make sure that these stories are for children and are therefore dealing with these topics in subtle and simple ways, I was left wondering if something is being missed. Many of the books we see for children about mental health are about how to understand their own struggles with the likes of anxiety or depression. I am however yet to see as much on fiction books for children who live with family members who struggle with their with their mental health.

There is still arguably a level of stigma surrounding mental illness and it is understandable to feel the need to shelter and protect children from difficult topics. Getting them to understand their own feelings and emotions is an excellent first step but there are many children out there who live in a household with a parent or family member struggling with mental illness. As someone who grew up with a parent dealing mental illness, I understand first-hand the isolation and confusion that this can cause. Children’s books on the topic that are fiction, not based solely on self-help or coping instructions could be extremely beneficial, especially for younger children.

We have children’s books now on death and terminal illness and I wonder is it because these physical things are easier to talk about? Are the unseen battles still too taboo? We can protect children all we like but unfortunately not all children are afforded the same shields. Children see more than we think that they do. Promoting fiction books for children talking about parental mental health could provide them with understanding and empathy, for not only their parent but themselves.

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