Dealing with a Family Member Who Has Severe Mental Illness

When a family member we love begins to show the signs of mental illess, many family members push this person away. This is the most common but devastating thing that a family member can do. Not only does it break up a family, it worsens the condition of the individual with mental illness.

It's important that individuals who have mental illness be supported and loves during this difficult time. Having a mental illness is a disease just like a medical disease but there is still stigma associated with mental illness. People who don't understand mental illness want to push away those who have it.

There are many ways you can support a family member that has a severe mental illness. Remember, that you loved this person before they became sick and you can still love this person through their symptoms. It will be hard and there will be days when you question why you continue to try to help but know that you are really lending a hand in treatment. The love and support from you can increase your loved ones chances of recovering.

Knowledge is Power in Mental Illness

Knowing about your loved one's illness will help a great deal in understanding symptoms. You may be confused, angry and frustrated with your family member because of actions that have occurred because of the mental illness. Knowing and understanding the symptoms and actions caused by the illness will help make those exhausting and complicating days a little easier.

Listen to Your Loved One with Severe Mental Illness

Many times, these individuals are shunned by society and friends push them away. They are left alone with their thoughts and symptoms. Retreating and seclusion is one of the worst things this individual can do and it's very common. It's important to listen to your loved one. Listening to their feelings, thoughts and what they need help with, will give them an outlet.

Engage Your Loved One in Activities

Sufferers want to shut the door on the world and life because they feel that they have been dealt a bad hand. This will add to the symptoms they are experiencing because they are left to sit alone and reminate about their thoughts and feelings. Engage your loved one with severe mental illness in activities, even if it's just a cup of coffee or a dinner out. It will help them get out of the house and realize that even though they are sick they can live in society.

Take Part in Their Treatment

If your loved one will allow you to attend an appointment, make a point to join your loved one. This will show that you are supportive and that you care about treatment. It will also provide the healthcare professional some insight other than what he hears from his patient. Sometimes family members can offer much more information than what the patient can provide. Some symptoms cause sufferers to forget about their past and create fictional events. Having a family member to fill in gaps and confirm data can greatly affect the effectiveness of treatment.

Take a Break

Taking care of someone who is sick is difficult. You will be mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, so it's important to take a break for yourself. The only way to be supportive and helpful to your loved one is if you have the patience and strength to do it. If you need support for yourself and feel that you need to speak to others who are dealing with the same thing, there are many groups across the nation specifically for family members of individuals with mental illness. Contact your local mental health facility for more information or visit NAMI.