Adult Children Stories

Escaping from the Past

Adult children endeavored to make sense of growing up with a parent who lived with bipolar disorder. How did having a parent who was sometimes absent, distant, unpredictable, or unable to fulfil their parental role influence the adult child’s identity and life experiences? They became aware that “something is not normal about my parent” in their preteen and teen years. Learn about how adult children developed a positive self-identity as they reflected on the meaning of living in a family impacted by mental illness.

• Sam: Being responsible

• Jessica: Just my mom

• Mark: I didn’t know I was okay

• Melanie: I survived by being quiet and good

• Abby: Finding balance

Questions for Reflection and Discussion: Adult Children

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