The Stress of Mental Illness
It might have started with a panic attack during your algebra
exam in high school. It then might have progressed into
depression in college, and post-partum depression after the
birth of your first child. At times, you might have even felt so
desperate that you wanted to commit suicide.
Or perhaps you have a brother who seems in the grips of
full-blown paranoia. No matter how much you try, you just cannot
reach him. He's convinced that the FBI is watching his every
move, and no one can convince him otherwise. You want him to
seek professional help, but he is reluctant to do so.
Mental illness can create tremendous stress for a family.
Because the illness is so misunderstood, there is the problem of
the stigma attached to it. You might be ashamed or embarrassed,
either by your own mental illness or that of a close family
member or friend. You may feel as if you are all alone, that no
one else could possibly understand what you are going through.
Mental illness routinely creates financial stress for families.
Sometimes, overspending is a sign of manic-depressive disorder.
A depressed person might invest too much of the family income on
a collection of guns or hunting knives. Disputes over finances
can create great tensions for families, making it difficult for
them to cope.
In addition, mental illness creates tensions within
interpersonal relationships. You might be angry with a partner's
mood swings--not understanding that it is a situation beyond his
or her control. You may be frustrated with a brother who doesn't
seem able to hold down a job. You may simply not understand a
sister whose promiscuous lifestyle you consider to be dangerous.
The important thing to realize is that, while the stress of
mental illness can seem unbearable at times, it is entirely
manageable. If you are the individual suffering from mental
illness, make an appointment to see a reputable therapist. He or
she can help you sort out your problems and can recommend a
psychiatrist who can find the medication that is right for you.
Part of the stress of mental illness can be the difficulty
involved in finding a medication that works. You may find the
side-effects of a particular drug difficult to deal with at
first. Psychiatrists say it is best if you follow the doctor's
recommendation and try to manage the side-effects as best you
can. Going off your medication can have disastrous
consequences--and can lead to a great deal more stress.
At times, you might find that your mental illness requires you
to go into the hospital for a time. Such hospitalizations can
increase your stress level. However, if you think of the
hospital stays as just steps on the road to recovery, you will
be able to handle the stress much more effectively.
Coping with another's mental illness can be even more
stressful. Mental illness can be quite unpredictable, so it can
drain your emotional reserves. It can be highly difficult
dealing with a situation that changes so abruptly from one
minute to the next. One of the best things you can do for
yourself is to join a support group for family members of the
mentally ill. This can be tremendously cathartic.
You will be able to talk to other people who are going through
the same things that you are going through. You can draw comfort
and strength from this network of individuals. Some members of
your support group may even allow you to call them at home to
discuss your problems further. There is no substitute for a
listening ear, especially in the rough times.
You may also want to consider family counseling. In this way,
the entire family can be involved in a loved one's recovery from
mental illness. You'll be able to learn healthy coping
strategies for dealing with another's illness, and you will be
able to communicate in an open, supportive atmosphere.
There is little doubt that mental illness can lead to life-long
stress. However, with a little bit of effort, you can learn to
manage this stress effectively. And you will find that you and
your family are better off as a result.