Abstract
It is expected that loss of a parent from death will undoubtedly cause children to grieve. With supportive interventions, children can recover and grow into healthy, well‐adjusted adults. Severe mental illness in a parent, however, also creates loss by altering the parent‐child relationship, often leaving children confused, frightened and feeling alone. In the past, family members, especially the remaining parent, might not have recognized the symptoms of a grieving child and the system at that time was not well prepared to assist them in meeting that need. This is the story of one such child.