There are many questions that people ask themselves when they are diagnosed with a mental illness, including, “How will it affect my family?” The answer to that question is very different for everyone. While some individuals may face a few common challenges such as stress, coping mechanisms, and lack of trust, other people’s experiences can be much more varied. It can range from having to live with a loved one who is struggling with depression to trying to help someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Stress
Having a family member diagnosed with mental health problems can be a stressful and emotionally taxing experience. However, it is important to understand that these challenges can be overcome with the proper support like mental health services.
According to a recent survey, nearly one in five Canadians (21%) had a family member with a mental health problem. More than half of these individuals reported high levels of daily stress.
When it comes to mental health, it is important to note that different families will be affected in different ways. Having a mental illness can prevent a loved one from obtaining medication, securing housing, or even working. This can cause a lot of anxiety for the whole family.
In addition, children are more likely to be affected by the family’s mental health. Their social interactions and overall emotional and physical health will be affected. They will become sad when they learn that a loved one has a mental illness.
For many children, this may be a life-changing event. Children who have a parent with a serious mental illness may not be able to enjoy their childhood. Some may blame themselves for the condition. Others may try to shield their parents from the pain by not letting them know.
Family members can get a helping hand from local community mental health agencies. These agencies often have family support groups and education sessions. Parents can learn to recognize signs of depression and other disorders. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also has free mental health screenings.
A family support group can help the whole family meet some of the challenges they face. It is important to remember that children are smarter than we give them credit for.
Lack of trust
When a loved one has a mental illness, there is a lot of stress. It can also affect the family, in many different ways. In addition to the emotional impact, there are financial and social components.
One way to look at the issue is to examine the role of trust in the healthcare system. Trust is a vital mechanism to handle uncertainty. But what is trust? Why is it so important?
Several studies have investigated the role of trust in various healthcare settings. While there is no consensus about the exact definition of trust, several concepts have been identified as key factors in the healthcare equation.
The role of trust in healthcare can be examined using a number of methods, including surveys, surveys with healthcare providers, in-depth interviews with healthcare providers, and case-control studies. These methods have a variety of objectives, but in the end, they all share the same goal: to improve patient health.
One study found that 80% of patients reported that mental health conditions affected their families. This statistic may be an underestimate. Even if the person diagnosed with a serious mental illness has a healthy partner, the two of them often have to take on responsibilities that they previously did not.
For example, when caring for a loved one with a serious mental illness, it can be difficult to keep everyone happy. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of life for the entire family. Moreover, it is common for children to be unaware of what is going on. Consequently, they may become anxious or even afraid.
While a lack of trust in the healthcare system can be harmful, there is also a need for more effective, efficient, and accessible mental health services. If patients have a positive experience with mental healthcare, they are more likely to seek treatment in the future.
Costs
In the United States, mental health disorders are one of the largest cost drivers for the healthcare system. This is due to the fact that untreated mental illness can lead to lost productivity, substance abuse, overdose, broken relationships, and more. The economic costs of such conditions are projected to reach $16 trillion by 2030.
The overall annual costs associated with mental disorders are higher than those for chronic somatic diseases. Direct and indirect costs of mental disorders are expected to double by the year 2030.
Uninsured children are the most likely to have an undiagnosed mental health condition. This is a significant financial burden to families, and it can affect the entire social fabric. For example, untreated mental illness can lead to poor school attendance and performance, broken relationships, and even suicide.
Children and adolescents with parents who have a diagnosed mental illness are also more likely to experience a mental disorder. These individuals are suitable targets for targeted prevention. However, research on the costs of such treatment is limited.
One study estimated that the direct and indirect costs of childhood mental disorders are $10.9 billion per year in the United States. These figures are higher than those for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Another estimate found that the average cost of treating a child with a mental disorder is $2,631 per year. This equates to a two-to-one return on investment.
Despite these numbers, the cost of mental health treatment is still rising. Spending on mental health treatment reached $225 billion in 2019, a 52% increase over 2009. Treatment includes therapy, prescription medications, and stays in rehabilitation facilities.
Dysfunction
Dysfunction and mental illness in the family can have a serious impact on the emotional, physical and financial components of a family. Mental health professionals can help those struggling with these issues get the help they need.
A dysfunctional family is characterized by unhealthy interactions between parents and children. Often, these families show common traits such as conflict, hostility, instability, and lack of empathy.
One of the major causes of dysfunction in families is untreated mental health problems in adults. In fact, one in every four families has a member who has a psychological problem.
When these adults become parents, they often put their own needs ahead of those of their children. Children in these families are less motivated and able to cope with their emotions. Likewise, they have lower self-esteem, which can lead to disrespectful, controlling, and manipulative behavior.
Often, the dysfunctional family has one or more opportunistic children, who capitalize on the faults of other members. These children are referred to as the black sheep of the family.
Another major cause of family dysfunction is a dysfunctional parent. The parent may be suffering from a mental illness. This can also affect the marriage and parenting abilities of the parent.
Sometimes, a dysfunctional family can be caused by the late diagnosis of a personality disorder. Psychologists can help clients overcome these problems by working with them to reframe their thinking.
There are also several other conditions that may cause a dysfunctional family. Some examples are drug abuse, alcoholism, and addiction. Other situations include an affair between parents or a divorce.
Regardless of the cause, the effects of dysfunction and mental illness can be extremely negative for everyone. These disorders can cause anxiety, depression, stress, and cognitive problems.
Finding meaning in the situation
It’s no secret that caring for a family member with mental health issues can be a stressful time. One way to alleviate the pressure is to provide social networking opportunities for mentally ill patients and their kin. The benefits of forming and maintaining these types of social networks are obvious. In fact, according to a recent study, more than two-thirds of people who had a family member with a mental health issue felt they were part of a community. Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to be a part of such a network, but forming one is not as hard as it sounds.
