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Helping a Family Member with a Mental Illness
Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make them feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others.
If you have a family member or a friend who has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you are probably wondering what you can do to help. New forms of therapy, medications and community services have enabled many individuals to lead full, independent lives, but support from family, friends and peers remains an essential element in the recovery process.
Here are some tips for supporting someone close to you who has a mental illness:
- Educate yourself about the diagnosis, symptoms of the illness and side-effects from medication. The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (1-800-782-9264), public libraries and the internet are good resources to learn about mental illness and treatment options.
- Recognize that your family member or friend may be scared and confused after receiving a diagnosis. Although some people are relieved to receive a diagnosis and actively seek treatment, it may feel devastating to others and bring on stressful feelings.
- Listen carefully to your family member or friend; recognize the feelings he or she is experiencing and don’t discount them.
- Recognize that it may take time for your family member or friend to find the proper medications and dosages that work.
- Understand that recovery from mental illness isn’t simply a matter of “just staying on one’s medications.” Self-esteem, social support and a feeling of contributing to society are also essential elements in the recovery process.
- Always respect the individual’s need for and right to privacy. A person with a mental illness has the same right to be treated with dignity and respect as any other person.
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