When a family member is struggling with mental illness, it affects the entire family. It can be difficult, stressful, frustrating and many other things, but one thing you have to remember is that whatever you are feeling, the one struggling is feeling it times ten. Mental illnesses happen for a variety of different reasons including genetics, upbringing, and situational factors. Blaming yourself is not going to help the member with a mental illness. Let them know that you love and are there for them no matter what. Chances are they need to feel supported. Most importantly, you need to take care of yourself. If you get run down and strung out, you can't be as helpful and it ends in multiple people being a mess. There are many support groups out there for family members and they can help you understand the illnesses and how best to help them. Below there are ways to help a family member.
- Let them know you love them no matter what
- Know that they are trying the best they can given the situation
- Educate yourself! See our page
- Don't isolate them or yourself
- Take time for yourself
- Know that you cannot fix them, just help
- Set your boundaries. You do not have to tolerate dangerous behaviours
- Ask what you can do to help
- Do things to decrease stigma!
- See table below