Helpful Coping Tips for Siblings of People with a Mental Illness

Helpful Coping Tips for Siblings of People with a Mental Illness - Since I was young we knew that there was something different about my sister - she would have extreme ups and downs and seemed to be one of the moodiest children around. She seemed to never be happy and have fits of violent rage that seemed uncontrollable. This tore apart the relationship between her and other family members and it wasn't until she was nearly an adult that she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. After she began to take medication and her moods became more stable, the relationship between her and other family members seemed to fix itself. There were times however when I had no idea how to cope with the behavior that was exhibited from time to time. Here are some ways that I learned how to deal with a family member with bipolar disorder.

First, listen. This is one of the most important aspects. Not until I was older did I realize that it affected her more than it could ever affect us - I was unable to empathize when I was younger to what it was she was going through. Now, I wish I would have spent more time listening and trying to understand what it was that she was going through.

Empathize. It is a terrifying and confusing experience - especially for a child or a young adult. It is important for siblings to find the time to empathize.

Research and learn about the disorder. Speak to parents and professionals about the effects that the disorder can have on life - and the symptoms and the treatments for the various mental disorders.

Be patient. It could take time for relationships to form after they have been damaged by something as severe as mental illness. Be patient and in time a solution will show itself.

Be supportive. It has to be terrifying going through a mental disorder. Be forgiving and supportive to past events and realize sometimes that the actions and events cannot be controlled by the individual affected by the mental disorders.

Address any concerns that you may have with the sibling affected by the disease. More often than not, they are going to be up front with how they are feeling and what is going in their head. It is better to get a first hand point of view rather than trying to understand without it.

Understand that more attention is going to be focused on the child affected by the disorder. This is no fault of the parents; some children just require that bit of extra attention while they are experiencing episodes.

It is a stressful situation and therefore the child needs to learn to have outlets to deal with the stress. Develop a hobby or class that can assist in releasing the stress.

These tips should assist in siblings understand the situation that their brother or sister are facing. Many times, these serious illnesses go undiagnosed for years and it is important to forgive the sibling for situations that may have been out of their control.