Common
Questions For Friends And Family
What is mental
illness?
A mental illness is a biological illness affecting emotions
and behavior. This makes the person not able to manage
the ordinary demands and routines of everyday life. Some
of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder,
and anxiety disorders. With proper care and treatment,
many people learn to manage or recover from these conditions.
How can I sort
out how I'm feeling about my loved one's condition?
You might find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying
what other people will think or wondering what caused
your loved one to become ill. Sometimes you might even
be angry at the person's behavior. These feelings are
normal. Families going through similar situations feel
the same way.
Where can I go
for help for myself?
Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family
members. If you feel you can't discuss your situation
with friends or other family members, find a self-help
group, a support group, or a therapist. Groups like these
give you a chance to talk to other people who are going
through the same types of problems. Whether you choose
a group or a therapist, either can listen and offer valuable
advice.
If I talk to a
therapist for myself, what should I say?
On your first visit, the counselor or the doctor will
want to get to know you and why you called him or her.
The doctor will want to know why you feel you need counseling,
what you do, where you live, with whom you live.
If you don't feel comfortable with the professional after
the first or even several visits, don't be afraid to contact
another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional
you choose is very important.
How much time
should I spend with my loved one?
It's common for the person with the illness to become
the focus of family life. When this happens, other members
of the family might feel ignored or resentful.
If you are the caregiver, you need some time for yourself.
Be sure to take time away to prevent becoming frustrated
or angry. Scheduling time for yourself will help you to
keep things in perspective. And, you might have more patience
and compassion for coping with or helping your loved one.
