Families' Experience with Mental Health

Question 1

Family-focused Approach to Mental Health

Answer 1

• underutilized due to challenges such as time consuming, minimal contact, lack of knowledge of how to incorporate family
• family can and do play important roles in care and recovery
• family are at risk of serious physical and mental health problems

Question 2

Subjective Burden

Answer 2

powerful grieving process and intense emotions in response to illness

• grief
• symbolic loss (hopes, dreams, possibilities)
• chronic sorrow (having to confront illness over and over and at each milestone)
• emotional roller coaster (relapse and readmission)
• empathic pain (anguish to see loved one suffer)
• anxiety, shame, anger, shock

Question 3

Objective Burden

Answer 3

being confronted with the reality of illness, the consequences and related demands

• symptomatic behaviour (family can be victimized)
• caregiving (unprepared and untrained, expected to cope and navigate support)
• family disruption and stress (financial, affects jobs, affects relationships)
• service delivery system (lack of services to support)
• stigma (isolation and shame)

Question 4

Family Resilience

Answer 4

serious mental health problems may serve as catalyst for positive change

• breaking down existing patterns and reconstructing new ones
• improve communication
• sharing in grief and stress, family bond
• appreciating the small moments
• expanding knowledge and skills to enhance coping and healthier perspectives

Question 5

Family Diversity

Answer 5

all have particular strengths and limitations
various ages, genders and roles
cultural and social variables

taking on roles that align with each member’s strength

Question 6

Effects of MI on each family role

Answer 6

Effect on parents

• grief and loss, guilt and responsibility
• primary caregiving
• marital stress

Effect on partners

• grief and loss
• difficult choices, financial distress
• frustration, isolation, exhaustion and depression

Effect on siblings

• grief and loss
• being forgotten
• survivor’s guilt

Effect on children

• grief and loss
• caregiving
• survivor’s guilt

Question 7

Interventions for Families

Answer 7

a. family support and advocacy groups
b. family consultation (explore options on managing)
c. family education (learn how to manage)
d. peer support (listening and talking about the journey)
e. psychotherapy (individual, marital, family - find meaning)

recognize the health needs of the family members themselves

Question 8

Family Recovery

Answer 8

The Initial Encounter
Confrontation
Resolution

Question 9

The Working Alliance

Answer 9

a. teach families about recovery, the mh system and community resources
b. develop a family relapse plan
c. enhance coping, problem solving and communication skills
d. assist families to channel their pain in constructive ways
e. encourage families to take care of themselves
- reduce isolation
- recapture affection
- humour, common interest, mutual respect
f. reinforce the hope

• partnership with family programs
• designated worker

Question 10

Support Programs for Families

Answer 10

Diagnosis-based
ie. Schizophrenia Society of Ontario

Relationship-based
ie. Partner’s Group

Cultural/Identity-based
ie. Somali Mental Health Family Program

Approach-based
ie. Self-help/Support Group, Psycho-educational Series