Background: The majority of people with mental illness are parents, however the children are ignored in healthcare. According to studies, children's experiences of the parent’s mental illness affect the children negatively and leads to suffering in adulthood. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study is to explore children’s and adolescents experience of living with parents with mental illness. Method: The used method in this study is called the five-step model according to Friberg (2012). The five-step model contributes to evidence-based nursing based on analysis of qualitative research. Results: The result of the study can be summarized in three main themes, strains, emotional supports and emotional effects. The overall experience was that the children and adolescents were all alone. They also experienced having more responsibility than other children. These children and adolescents felt insecure about their situation and they all agreed that they would feel more secure if they had more information about their parents’ illness. Conclusion: Without trustful relationships and help from family members or healthcare professionals these children turns out to be disoriented in their wellbeing which leads to emotional burnout.