There’s no doubt that having a family member experiencing mental illness creates challenges and problems. Knowing someone with a psychological disorder is generally hard. It can be especially tough on family members because of those familial ties.
Unlike friends and acquaintances, there is often no real option to walk away when the other person’s mental illness is negatively affecting you. The person is family after all and probably needs your help and ongoing support. Because of this bond, they may also be tougher on you than anyone else, being willing to let their guard down and display all emotions.
There some common-sense steps you can take to help manage the situation. Many or all of these may be obvious to you. But it may help you run through the measures available.
Why Mental Illness in the Family is Tough
Having a family member with a mental illness can be tough in many ways. One common challenge is feeling helpless as you watch your loved one struggle. You wish it could be different for them.
It can also be emotionally draining to care for them. You may not get much of a break, especially if you live in the same home.
In addition to the emotional toll, mental illness can often come with significant financial costs. Among other hits, there are treatment expenses, lost income, and other related costs such as paying for help services.
The stigma surrounding mental illness can also make it difficult for families to feel comfortable seeking help or talking about their loved one’s condition. You may feel isolated.
Finally, mental illness can put a strain on relationships. Even though you know they have a psychological problem, that doesn’t help very much when you’re dealing with things such as sullenness or angry outbursts. You just have to keep forgiving them and seek support from outside sources.
Courses You Can Take
There are a variety of courses available in Australia that can help family members and caregivers manage a loved one. Here are a few examples.
Mental Health First Aid. This course teaches people how to recognise and respond to signs of mental health problems, as well as how to provide support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Partners in Depression and Anxiety. This course is specifically designed for partners, family members, and friends of people with depression and anxiety. It covers topics such as understanding and supporting a loved one with these conditions, as well as strategies for managing your own well-being.
Caring for Someone with a Mental Illness. This course is designed for caregivers of people with mental illness and covers topics such as understanding mental illness, communication strategies, and self-care.
There may be other courses available as well, depending on your location. Online courses are also widely offered, such as postgraduate university courses. You can check with local mental health organisations or search online for more options. It’s important to find a course that meets your specific needs and goals.
Steps to Take When a Family Member in Unwell
It can be difficult to live with a family member who has a mental illness, as it can impact the entire family. Here are some things that might be helpful.
- Educate yourself about the specific mental illness that your family member is dealing with. This can help you understand what they are going through and how to best support them.
- Be patient and understanding. Remember that mental illness is not a choice and that your loved one is doing the best they can.
- Set boundaries and communicate openly with your family member. It’s important to establish clear expectations and communicate openly about how their illness is affecting you and the rest of the family.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to prioritise your own well-being and seek support if you are struggling.
- Seek outside support. Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist to help you navigate the challenges of living with a family member with a mental illness.
Remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you are not alone.
When the Family Member is a Parent
It can be particularly challenging to live with a parent who has a mental illness. Here are some additional tips.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to prioritise your own well-being and make sure that you are getting the support you need. This might mean seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist.
- Set boundaries. It’s important to establish clear boundaries and communicate openly with your mother or father about how their illness is affecting you and the rest of the family.
- Seek outside support. Consider joining a support group for children of parents with mental illness or working with a therapist to help you navigate the challenges you face.
- Remember that your parent is still your parent, even if they have a mental illness. Try to maintain a positive relationship with them, and remember that they are not their illness.
- Take breaks as needed. It can be emotionally draining to care for a mother or father with a mental illness, so it’s important to take breaks and take care of yourself.
Remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you are not alone. There are resources available to support you.
When the Family Member is a Sibling
If you have a sibling with a mental illness, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. Here are some guidelines.
- Educate yourself about the specific mental illness that your brother or sister is dealing with. This can help you understand what they are going through and how to best support them.
- Be patient and understanding. Remember that mental illness is not a choice and that your sibling is doing the best they can.
- Communicate openly with your sibling. It’s important to be open and honest with your brother or sister about how their illness is affecting you and the rest of the family.
- Offer support, but respect their boundaries. It’s important to be there for your sibling, but also to respect their boundaries and autonomy.
- Seek outside support. Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist to help you navigate the challenges of having a sibling with a mental illness.
Take care of yourself. It’s important to prioritise your own well-being and seek support if you are struggling.
Remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you are not alone. There are resources available to support you and your family.
How to Be a Better Family Member When You Have Mental Illness
If you have a mental illness, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that it is not your fault. Here are some ways you can be a better family member.
- Seek treatment for your mental illness. This might include therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment. The most important thing is to find what works best for you.
- Communicate with your family. It’s important to be open and honest with your family about your mental illness and how it is affecting you. This can help them understand what you are going through and how they can support you.
- Set boundaries. It’s important to establish clear boundaries with your family and communicate openly about what you need and what you are comfortable with.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure to prioritise your own well-being by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
- Seek outside support. Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist to help you navigate the challenges of living with a mental illness.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and that you don’t have to go through this alone. There are resources available to support you and your family.
Common Mental Illnesses
There are many different types of mental illnesses, and they can affect people in different ways. The causes are innumerable. Some of the most common ones include the following.
Anxiety disorders. These disorders can cause feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear that are often out of proportion to the situation. Examples include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Mood disorders. These disorders can cause changes in a person’s mood and can include depression and bipolar disorder.
Psychotic disorders. These disorders can cause a person to lose touch with reality and can include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Personality disorders. These disorders can cause long-term patterns of thoughts and behaviours that are different from what is considered normal in a person’s culture. Examples include borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
Eating disorders. These disorders can cause a person to have an unhealthy relationship with food and can include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other types as well. If you’re concerned about your mental well-being, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.