Living with mental illness and child removal

Objective: The purpose of this article is to explore the lived experience of having a child removed by child protection services for mothers living with mental illness.Method: This phenomenological study collected data from eight mothers through in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.Results: The overall phenomenon of living with child removal was found to consist of four overarching essential components: chaotic lives pre-removal; pain and loss; protecting myself; and constrained mothering.Discussion: Mothers need support to manage the suffering associated with child removal in the context of already chaotic lives. Parenting and mental health services are in a position to assist mothers to develop adaptive coping strategies and minimise maladaptive strategies.