Mental health problems are not something that only affect certain people, they do not discriminate and can affect anyone at any time. In this case, a person’s family, friends and general support network can make a vital difference in their recovery process.
Positive family relationships
Having positive family relationships are an important factor in maintaining good mental health in your children. This is because when there is a child that is suffering from a mental health problem, they may feel confused and fail to understand what they are feeling and why they are feeling this way. Therefore, if they live in a home where they feel understood and loved by their parents it builds the foundations where they trust in them to confide how they are feeling. This can then allow them to get the help and support that they need to get their lives back on track.
When a person has supportive and stable relationships with their family this can be beneficial as it would build a platform whereby the person may be more responsive to their treatment programme.
Family problems
The impact of poor family relationships on a person’s mental health has been linked to an increase in the likelihood of developing stress and depression. This becomes even more damaging when you factor in that people rely the most on their family for support when they are struggling with their mental health. However, when this support is not there it will have a negative impact on them asking for help and in turn, their recovery.
Also, despite the fact that all families go through ups and downs, there are some major family changes that can impact upon the mental health of both the children and the parents. These changes could include unresolved family issues, relocating or divorce. Consequently, this can result in the development of depression or an anxiety disorder.
How you can help
Having a family member with a mental health problem can be difficult and it can be upsetting to see them struggle but the good thing is that there are different thing you can do to help, this includes:
- Help with their day-to-day activities like housework, shopping, looking after the kids. This will give them more time to focus on themselves and their recovery
- Making sure their children’s lives are as close to normal as possible by continuing to take them to after school activities and to see friends
- They may worry that they will be judged for asking for help so make sure that they feel you support them
- Taking care of their pets
- Remind them help is available, mental health can be treated
- Be patient and reassure them so they know that you are here to listen whenever they need to talk
- Do not force them to seek help if they do not feel ready
Looking after yourself
Supporting a family member with a mental health problem can be challenging and overwhelming so it is important to:
- Know your limits – don’t take on too much because if you become stressed or unwell then you won’t be able to offer them the support that they need
- Ask for help – May be easier if you share the caring role with other family members or siblings as you will be able make sure that they have enough time to recover
- Take some time to relax and do the things that you enjoy
Looking after yourself
Supporting a family member with a mental health problem can be challenging and overwhelming so it is important to:
- Know your limits – don’t take on too much because if you become stressed or unwell then you won’t be able to offer them the support that they need
- Ask for help – May be easier if you share the caring role with other family members or siblings as you will be able make sure that they have enough time to recover
- Take some time to relax and do the things that you enjoy
