Kabir Bedi opens up on son Siddharth mental health struggle
Kabir Bedi opens up on son Siddharth mental health struggle 
Renowned model-actor Kabir Bedi opened up that coping with a child’s severe mental health condition is one of the most challenging experiences a parent can face. Kabir lost his son Siddharth, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
In an interview he went ahead to reveal that revealed. The tragedy of his son Siddharth was that he was an exceptionally brilliant boy. He got admitted to one of the most prestigious information technology programs in America, and then he was diagnosed with schizophrenia
He continues referring to a chapter from his autobiography where he opened up about his struggles as a father.
I have written a chapter in my book about the final months of Siddharth. It is a story of a father trying to stop his son from taking his own life.
He added, and in the end, he couldn’t win this battle, and this is perhaps the greatest tragedy of his life.
His heartfelt account highlights the immense hurdles parents endure while supporting their child through a complex mental health battle.
The struggle involves navigating a labyrinth of medical treatments, managing societal stigma, and dealing with the profound sense of helplessness that often accompanies such situations.
Most significant challenges parents face when caring for a child with a severe mental health condition
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, says, “Taboos and stigma surrounding mental health challenges still prevail.
Outdated beliefs and a lack of psychological literacy often guide societal perceptions. Understanding why something is happening or how to address it is particularly challenging when it comes to mental health. Some even blame the parents’ ‘bad deeds’ for having a child with such a condition, ignoring the biological, psychological, and environmental factors involved. This lack of support and empathy often leaves families feeling isolated.”
Parents often experience confusion, guilt, helplessness, and worry as they try to understand and provide the best care for their child. Accepting the diagnosis can take significant time and emotional effort.
Caring for a child with a long-term physical or mental health condition can cause emotional exhaustion.
Khangarot informs, “Long-term treatment, therapy, and medications can be financially burdensome, adding to the stress parents face. The onset of schizophrenia can be unexpected and difficult to comprehend, making it challenging to differentiate between normal behaviour and symptoms. This uncertainty often leads to chronic anxiety.”
Caring for a child with a long-term physical or mental health condition can cause emotional exhaustion. Parents may sacrifice their personal life, career, and relationships to focus on their child’s needs, leading to burnout.
Some effective support systems or therapies that can help families cope with the loss of a child due to mental health struggles
The loss of a child due to mental health struggle is an unparalleled tragedy. “Family often needs a combination of personal therapy, brief counselling and community support to process the pain,” explains Khangarot.
Faith based practices, if it aligns with the family beliefs can provide comfort and meaning as well, notes the psychologist.
News Edit KV Raman.
