Caring for a Loved One with a MentalHealth DisorderPage 1 of 3*****Caring for a Loved One with a Mental Health Disorder*****Hugh, ParentThere is definitely a stigma to mental illness. You know, we see that as parents, how that gets reflected isthat quite often you are blamed for some of the challenges that your kids exhibit. You know, you are eitheroverbearing or you are too permissive or you have done something wrong somehow to have your kidshave those kinds of challenges, and that is just absolutely not true.NarratorOne in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental health disorder. If you are a caregiver to one of them, yoursupport and help is very important. It starts with listening and learning.Heather M. Jones, PhD, Clinical Supervisor, Rogers Memorial HospitalCaregivers can do a couple of things. One, is to work with their child or their loved one’s care provider andlearn new ways of responding to their child or their loved one’s mental health concern. And secondly, islearning about what the treatment modality entails. So learning a lot about the mental health issue; learningabout the anxiety, about the depression; understanding what it’s like for their loved one to experience thislevel of, severity of an illness.NarratorEvery person with a mental health disorder experiences it differently. No video or healthcare professionalcan tell you how to prepare for every situation that may arise. Your experience as a caregiver is a learningprocess. You will learn what works and what doesn’t.Hugh, ParentSo before my son was diagnosed, things were not much different than after except that we were confusedby an awful lot of different words that we had never heard before. Trying to find services, trying tounderstand, learn, all of those things probably changed pretty dramatically. Our interests were pretty muchsolely on, “What is this all about? What do we do? What’s available out there? Who are the experts?”Rachel C. Leonard, PhD, Behavioral Activation Specialist and Clinical Supervisor, Rogers MemorialHospitalLoved ones can be extremely helpful when someone’s going through treatment. Some of the things thatmight be useful are just kind of providing a lot of support and praise for engaging in treatment, showingthem that they don't need to be ashamed of it, and that it's actually a really great thing that they’re seekingtreatment; that can go a long way.Heather M. Jones, PhD, Clinical Supervisor, Rogers Memorial HospitalOften times when there is a mental health issue, it creates a lot of anxiety and worry in a family memberand so we would want them to seek support and acknowledging how difficult and courageous they wouldhave to be in order to actually seek that support. For parents and caregivers to be a source of support inface of that stigma is incredibly important.Rachel C. Leonard, PhD, Behavioral Activation Specialist and Clinical Supervisor, Rogers MemorialHospitalIf someone notices that a friend or a loved one might be struggling with symptoms of depression, it's reallyimportant to talk with them about it. I think sometimes people have this fear that by talking about it theycould make it worse, and I know that's often true, especially related to suicide, and the data show theopposite.Page 2 of 3Peggy Scallon, MD, FAPA, Medical Director, FOCUS Adolescent Mood Disorders Program, RogersMemorial HospitalOne thing that’s important is just to ask them and to let them know that you’re a person that they can trustand you will help them to seek any answers that they might need, and you’re willing to hear anything thatthey might tell you. People really appreciate that you might express that you’d be there for the journey thatmight be coming ahead and that you won’t abandon them.NarratorAs a caregiver to someone diagnosed with a mental health disorder, you need to know that you are notalone. Millions of caregivers have experienced some of the same thoughts and questions you may behaving. Secondly, keep in mind you can call on experienced mental health professionals and otherresources to help you.Hugh, ParentOne of the big challenges that you have when you are dealing with issues like mental health in a family, isthat sense of isolation. But, boy when you get connected to others who have walked in similar shoes, whoknow not only the challenges you face, but also the joys, it makes a huge difference.Heather M. Jones, PhD, Clinical Supervisor, Rogers Memorial HospitalThe first place that caregivers should go to receive help is their primary care physician and relying on that,that kind of first-line treatment provider that they know, have a relationship with. I think secondarily to that, ifthey have children, if we’re talking about parents with children that may be experiencing mental healthconcerns, going to their school counselor or school psychologist; those are excellent resources.NarratorOther helpful resources are parents or family members whose loved ones have faced similar challenges.They may share that supporting someone does not mean controlling them. You can support and encourageyour adult loved one but you don’t have to solve their problems for them. Offer suggestions and input, butbe ready to accept and support their decisions.Peggy Scallon, MD, FAPA, Medical Director, FOCUS Adolescent Mood Disorders Program, RogersMemorial HospitalLoved ones can be very helpful in asking questions on behalf of their family member or friend. They canremember to ask the things that a person who’s suffering from depression might not be present for. The firstthing is to establish a trusting relationship with a treater and have that be a person that you can take anyquestion to, what other kinds of resources might be available, how they could be helpful to them in everyaspect of their life.NarratorHere are important questions you can ask to help find the right treatment for your loved one. What therapies and medications are available? Do people with this condition typically spend time in residential treatment? For adults, what options are available for supportive housing or employment?Hugh, ParentHere is one thing I know. My kids have enriched my life. And even though we have had challenges and wehave had some struggles, I feel sorry for others who have not had the opportunities that I have had as aparent.© The Wellness NetworkPage 3 of 3
