How Mental Illness affects Families

A survey showed that more than 80% of patients agreed that their mental health conditions had a detrimental effect on their family.

Looking after a family member with a mental illness can be extremely stressful. It may entail late night phone calls or conversations, continued concerns over their loved ones health and wellbeing, and overhanging fear of a potential suicide attempt.

Oftentimes the emotional and behavioral consequences for family members go largely ignored when it comes to mental illness. It takes a lot of effort from a family member at times, causing disruption to the flow of the family's routines and patterns. It can involve anything from dealing with the daily misunderstandings in thinking and behavior, frequent medical appointments and expenses for the individual.

Coping with the stress of taking care of a family member with a mental illness may cause reactions such as migraines, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, or cognitive and emotional problems like anxiety, depression, guilt, fear, anger or confusion. Family members may have changes in their attitude and start to withdrawal socially. When differences in understanding rise in families, it can be the cause of strain, resentment, arguments and more, leading to fractures in the families and sometimes estrangement.

Family members usually try to do their best to offer support and understanding; however, they are doing this without clear direction as to what the best approach would be. They may not know the most effective things to say or do. When pressed, fatigued and frustrated, family members may lash out hurtful or counterproductive comments. Directly or indirectly, messages like "pull yourself together" or "get over it" are not helpful in the long run, as they show no understanding of the illness. A person who has a mental illness cannot control the illness itself, but does have some control over how the illness is managed.

If you are looking for a way to manage your mental illness or cope with the stress of taking care of a family member with a mental illness call 910-777-1189 today!