E033 Living with a Mentally Ill Family Member

First 100 Words
Each year millions of Americans are diagnosed with mental illness. Family members commonly feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness and anxiety and may secretly blame themselves for the mental illness, believing that something they did caused it. Since family members are often the key to successful intervention, helping them cope is crucial to helping those with mental illness. Here are some steps to follow.

Learn about the type of mental illness that affects your family member. Know its warning signs at onset, as well as the signs of relapse, so you can act quickly if intervention becomes necessary. Explore treatment options and discuss them with your loved one’s doctors . . .

When To Use
Guilt, confusion, and worry face family members of the mentally ill. This fact sheet gives them hope, support, and determination to accept the chronicity of mental illness and become empowered through knowledge, while seeking support.

How to Use
Client counseling sessions, EAP waiting areas.