Children who care for their parents

It must be tough to be a child in such a bewildering world. Thankfully most children rely on their parents for support. Parents are human too and they get sick and sometimes suffer mental illness. If one in five adults suffer depression and one in three suffer anxiety then there are probably many children whose parents are battling mental illness. Most are fabulous parents while coping with their problems. Many choose to share some of the information for their children, so their children understand, can have strategies in place to cope and monitor themselves in the case of genetic illness. Many discuss limits to their lives, like not going out, or meeting people or going in lifts so their children can understand.
Many parents keep the information to themselves and this is probably good to a level as too much information overloads children. Depending upon developmental level and maturity, some children  cope well and others worry, try to take control or feel guilty that they may have caused the problems. Some children develop separation anxiety as they are scared to leave their parent alone in case something bad happens.
A good thing is to get information. This website is good
http://www.copmi.net.au/parents-and-families/family-friends/advice-on-coping.html
There are a number of books and pamphlets available to help parents and children understand and cope.
Ask for help!