Living in the fallout: Parents' experiences when their child becomes mentally ill

Parental loss of a child to mental illness and the resulting grief is a rel atively unacknowledged phenomenon, This study aimed to capture the process through which parents journey in the face of their child's mental illness. Conducting a series of focus groups, the authors sought to further the unde rstanding and the needs of these families. They identify seven themes from initial awareness to the formation of a new stability. Identification of th is grief process is an important step that can heighten practitioners' awar eness so that future interventions and support systems can be developed to help these families deal with their pain and burden. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B, Saunders Company.