Dealing With Mental Disorder Within The Family

Family caregivers play a hugely important role in providing care to the patient with serious mental illness, in doing so they face multiple challenges.
Usually the first encounter with serious mental illness is a profound crisis bringing about shock, disbelief, anger and anxiety. A psychotic diagnosis often has a
negative impact. Caregivers feel powerless, confused and even isolated with feelings of stigmatization, particularly if their relative has been involved in some
embarrassing or antisocial behaviour. The role of the family member changes to carer as this care giving journey starts. This task is challenging and demanding to
say the least. The caregiver has to care, support, monitor, provide meals, medication, and deal with behaviour, mood swings or side effects of medication, etc. So
demands are many and the nature of care delivered impacts patient so it’s a huge responsibility. It is vital that their mental and physical well-being needs,
difficulties are acknowledged and managed for best outcomes as they are the primary source of support for patient 24/7.
Besides the general care, monitoring medication and behaviour issues, the family caregiver also has to ensure their loved one can still acquire some level of
education or training or appropriate work and recreation, so ideally ensuring all deficits are being addressed.
Additionally, a family caregiver’s social life and relations can be affected too as having less time for other relationships, or taking a holiday. Studies have reported
that interpersonal relationships are affected. In some cases, if the patient has displayed anti-social behaviour then they can be the victim of avoidance or
exclusion; this brings about feelings of shame, anger and helplessness to families. Despite growing awareness and acceptance, unfortunately, stigma still exits
depending on individual cases. Some families may withdraw socially themselves.
Studies have demonstrated that there’s a negative impact on health of caregiver reporting; low mood, anxiety, low vitality, etc. so this new role of caring may be at
the expense of their own psychological and physical well-being. Besides the social impact and possible decrease in social interactions, in some case illness could
be a loss of an earning member, which could mean financial difficulty.
In many cases illness is prolonged and a very difficult process and can last for years. From the onset, caregivers spend a lot of time worrying about their relatives’
well-being and future care. The uncertainty, prognosis, and worries around care and treatment can trigger high levels of anxiety and stress. Caregivers mostly
have no choice but to go on providing care and may overlook their own health. Literature points out that caregivers are sometimes referred to as “hidden or
secondary patients” who need guidance, support and protection.
Family caregiver’s role is most important and they do it with care, compassion and faith however the psychological and physical impact in many cases cannot be
ignored.
They have reported that caring had impacted negatively on their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Psychological impact on caregivers is visible with high levels of stress, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation. In some cases acute anxiety due to constant vigilance of
relative relapsing, becoming worse or hopeless. Often families often have to change lifestyle and rearrange priorities, make adjustments, and in some cases put
their own ambitions on hold indefinitely. Studies also show that families are impacted socially too and may encounter stigma surrounding illness.
Physical impact is also reported by family caregivers with problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, back ache, acidity, neck aches,
respiratory problems, sleep deprivation and frequent headaches. Some also reported that there pre-existing conditions prior to caring worsened after they took on
the role. In the light of the above caregiver wellbeing, is crucial for positive outcomes and illness management. It is important to see them as partners in treatment
and providing support to the patient.
How can professional counseling help?

Research points out that development of skills in dealing with the patient are beneficial for both patient and the caregivers’ quality of life. Counseling session can
help family caregivers and other members in understanding the nature of illness, importance of compliance, coping strategies and managing stress to help
themselves and the patient.
(This is an excerpt from a lecture delivered by Fariha Khan at an International Conference, references are attached to lecture)
If your family is dealing with mental health issues, consider booking an appointment with a professional counselor like Ms. Fariha Khan at Health Call Clinic DHCC.
She can provide the tools and guidance needed to foster a more emotionally intelligent and supportive family environment.