Parent Mental Health Day, created by the youth mental health charity Stem4, shines a light on the importance of parents and carers emotional wellbeing.
This day holds particular significance for families impacted by clinical negligence, especially when a child or young person has suffered an injury and is now facing long‑term effects.
For many of the families we work with, the journey doesn’t end with the injury itself. Parents often find themselves navigating complex medical needs and the legal process of seeking answers and support. At the same time, they are trying to protect and nurture their child’s mental health.
The mental health impact on young people after injury
When a young person has suffered a physical injury as a consequence of clinical negligence, a young person’s mental health may be harmed as a consequence.
Clinical negligence also does not need to be related to a physical injury. Clinical negligence can occur when a young person or individual has suffered mental harm because of the poor standard of mental health care provided by a healthcare professional.
The impact of clinical negligence to a young person’s mental health can present in various ways, which can include:
- Anxiety around medical procedures, hospitals, or their own health
- Low mood or depression, especially if the injury affects mobility, independence, or daily life
- Social isolation, if they feel “different” from peers or struggle to participate in activities
- Frustration or anger, particularly during adolescence when independence becomes more important
- Reduced confidence or self‑esteem, linked to visible injuries, developmental delays, or ongoing care needs
Parents and carers often carry the emotional weight quietly of supporting a young person through these emotions.
Why parent mental health matters for young people
Stem4’s message is clear, young people thrive when the adults around them are supported, informed, and emotionally well.
When a parent is struggling, it becomes harder to manage and support their child’s development and advocate for their child’s needs.
For parents of children affected by clinical negligence, this is especially true. Pursuing a claim can be emotionally draining for parents and young people alike. It often involves revisiting traumatic events, attending assessments, and discussing the impact of the injury in detail.
How we support families and young people throughout the process
As clinical negligence solicitors, we understand that a claim is not just a legal process; it is an emotional journey for the entire family. Our approach reflects this.
We support families by:
- Listening to both parents and young people, recognising that each has their own experience of the injury
- Working with experts to ensure psychological support is included in future care packages where appropriate
- Communicating clearly and compassionately, reducing the stress and uncertainty that can impact mental health
Our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered not just legally, but emotionally.
A final thought
Parent Mental Health Day reminds us that supporting young people starts with supporting the adults who care for them.
If your child has been affected by medical negligence, your mental health matters just as much as theirs. Taking time to look after yourself is not only important for your wellbeing, it strengthens your ability to support your child’s physical and psychological recovery.
If you are considering a claim, or are already in the process, you do not have to navigate it alone. We are here to support your family every step of the way.
How can we help?
Rachel Benton is an Associate in our Medical Negligence team, which is ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2024. Rachel specialises in a wide variety of medical negligence claims.
If you have any questions concerning the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Rachel or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
Contact usIf this article relates to a specific case/cases, please note that the facts of this case/cases are correct at the time of writing.