Learning How Mental Illness Affects Families

By William Richardson


While the focus of various mental disorders is on the individual themselves, one doesn't always pay attention to the families. Learning how mental illness affects families is important because it will save one a lot of tears. Even though you love your spouse, it can actually drive you away because you simply don't understand what he or she is going through.

Some people don't understand how the loved one can suddenly change. Many people will try and be compassionate and they will make the effort. However, they may also say the wrong things at the same time. It obviously makes the situation worse. It makes the individual feel more depressed or they begin to feel worse about themselves.

There are parents or spouses as well as siblings who just don't understand what depression or anxiety is. They may feel that the individual is being lazy or they are acting like a drama queen. Some people like this don't have the compassion for the person. On the other hand, there are family members who don't manage their loved ones in terms of what they say.

Going to a therapist and learning more about the disorder that your spouse has, for example can be a great way to start off. It is not the fault of someone when they think a certain way since they don't know anything about the disorder. They may think that their wife has become lazy. This is a natural way of thinking when you see her sleeping day and night.

One can't blame family members who have not experienced this before or who don't know anything about it. However, it is important to make the effort and to find out more about what the loved one is going through. The best way to start is by investing in a good therapy program. Many people find that groups are a good idea because you get to talk to others who are going through the same thing.

Most people know how to manage a conflict. Many people have a temper, but they will get a little hot under the collar and they will soon be able to control their feelings. Someone with this type of illness won't know how to deal with it. Many family members take this personally, but this is the worst thing that you can do. It is important to realize that this is not about you as the spouse or parent.

They may feel that their brother or sister is getting a lot of attention. They won't actually grasp the idea of the illness. All they are aware of is that they are being left out of a lot of the family plans. This is something that one needs to take into consideration. Siblings also need to know how to interact with the individual. Many emotions will be flying through their mind at this point in time.

The stage when most of these disorders develop is during the teenage years. The problem is that a lot of parents begin to think that it is a stage. However, this is not true because there are many teens that develop social anxiety disorders and mild depression. This can be treated early on. When it becomes more severe, ongoing therapy is necessary.




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