Mental Illness in the Family

Mental Illness


What is mental illness?

it is a psychological disorder that causes distress or disability. It disrupts a persons interactions with others, feelings, moods, behaviors, and interferes with their daily actions and abilities. Some common and serious illnesses are: schizophrenia, chronic depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.


What does it mean for a family?

If someone in your family has a mental illness, genetically you or your children are susceptible to getting it, but not always. Just like some babies are born with defects but have perfectly healthy parents, a child can develop a mental illness. Families are amazing support groups. If someone in your family has an illness, they need you more than ever! It is difficult though, and the best thing to understand is that it's not your fault.


How can you get help or be the help?

Easy!! All you have to do is learn!! It actually can be very difficult to figure out how to help in the best way possible, or what to do, but doing your best is all anyone can ask of you. Make sure your loved one is getting help! If they are not ready to get help, do not push them, Just support and encourage them. If something very dangerous or life threatening happens, call 911 immediately. You can go and see a psychologist to learn how to help the one you love. Also by doing this you make sure you can emotionally handle what is happening in your life. Just remember that it is not your fault your loved one has an illness. do as much research as possible, go to the doctor with your loved one, and ask how you can help. Maybe that means you need to exercise as a family, or eat better, or make sure your loved one has their medicine. Whatever you and the doctor think is best for your family you should do. For more information about mental illnesses or specific ones go to:


webmd.com
nami.org
healthyminds.org
call your local doctor