Helping Families Cope With Mental Illness

1. Helping Families Cope With Mental Illness Pat Hinkle, MA, LPC, LMFT 913-927-2402 pat@HinkleAssociatesLLC.com

2. “The onset of mental illness represents a crisis to the family, and as the shock and dismay subside, families must deal with a grave array of painful emotions. It may take a long time until some degree of acceptance can be achieved. Crucial to this process is the quality of support families receive.” Family Member Agnes B. Hatfield

3. Families as Primary Caregivers • 1 in 4 families has a family member with a mental illness. • 45 to 60 % of individuals experiencing mental illness are living with their families without adequate supportive services for the individual or family.

4. Reactions of Family Members • “Most family members are in shock and denial about it, and it takes a long time for them to realize that the disease is not a character flaw.” • Guilt is a common feeling even though the family did not cause the illness. • Mental illness is a no-fault disease.

5. Conclusion • Lesson Objectives… • Identified the possible emotional reactions by family members of the mentally ill • Discussed the importance of recognizing the life stressors experienced by family members of the mentally ill • To know coping strategies for family members of the mentally ill