mental health and families

family members
image by gideon tsang

in the last few days i’ve had occasion to think about the families of people who are dealing with mental health difficulties. would love to hear your thoughts. here are a few questions:

if you are someone who has experienced consistent mental health difficulties –

  • how have family members helped you with it?
  • have they ever made it more difficult for you?
  • have you been able to give them useful information, and how did they deal with it?
  • who do you consider your family? (close) relatives, friends, members of your community, and/or… ?
  • what are your greatest hopes in connection with your family and your mental health concerns? your greatest fears?
  • how do you feel your mental health concern has impacted your family, positively or negatively?
  • have health professionals been open/interested in involving your family?

if you are someone who has a family member of friend with consistent mental health difficulties –

  • how has your family member helped you understand what is going on for/with them?
  • how has your family member’s mental health concern impacted your family, positively or negatively?
  • what are your greatest hopes in connection with your family member and their mental health concerns? your greatest fears?
  • have health professionals been open/interested in involving you as a family member?
  • has your family member’s mental health concern changed how you view people or situations outside of your family?

if you are a health professional –

  • how do you feel about family’s involvement in the care for persons with persistent mental health concerns?

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