The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education states that 5.8 million children are diagnosed with a disability. Although dealing with a mentally challenged child can be difficult for parents, it can also affect the child's siblings when they are growing up. Some of the emotional effects can be negative, such as depression, but they can also result in positive emotional effects, with the siblings being more compassionate and understanding of other people's differences.
Depression
Depression, a serious mood disorder in which the patient feels sad or worthless, can affect siblings of a mentally challenged child. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center reports that research done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that 63 percent of siblings experience depression. Depressive symptoms may be linked to other emotional difficulties, such as the child being resentful or embarrassed of her challenged sibling. The depressed child may also be scared about her sibling, feel guilty about being "normal," or be angry about a lack of attention from her patients. Red flags for depression include withdrawal, frequent crying, hopelessness, appetite changes, loss of interest and talking about self-mutilation.
Empathy
The University of Michigan Health System states that when growing up with mentally challenged siblings, children can adapt multiple good qualities, such as empathy for others and insight into the challenges that people go through. When growing up with a mental challenged sibling, children can also develop patience; siblings can also be more accepting of differences and be supportive and compassionate to others.
Pressure to Perform
The sibling of a mentally challenged child may feel extra pressure on him, either to take care of his sibling or do the activities that his sibling cannot. Even if the parents are not putting the pressure on the child, he may feel like they are. The child may also feel lost or ignored, thinking that all of the attention is being directed at the mentally challenged sibling. Parents should be aware of signs that the child needs help or more one-on-one time, such as headaches and stomachaches, or if the child strives for perfection and has poor concentration or self-esteem.
