For many, managing mental illness requires discipline, self-reliance, perseverance and a tremendous amount of support.  Perhaps most important though is the realization that it is possible to manage mental illness.  It is possible for people living with mental illness to be in control of their illness just as it is possible for their family members to be in control of their lives.

While this is true, every person is unique and mental illness affects people differently.  Some people living with mental illness can manage it rather easily.  Others, however – especially those with severe and persistent mental illness – may struggle to manage their illness through most of their lives.  Families differ too in how mental illness affects them and in how they manage mental illness.

Supportive families play an essential role in helping a family member cope with mental illness.  People who manage their illnesses best are often those who have a strong social network to support them.

Be prepared for emergency situations.  Know what numbers to call.  Plan how you would handle the various situations that could arise.  With your family member’s permission, you may be able to discuss with his/her mental health professionals, what kinds of emergencies could arise and how they should be handled. 

Keep records.  Keeping clear records could prove useful in a future emergency, so try to keep a list of your family member’s health professional(s), telephone numbers, and other important information.  Also keep track of any specific events, such as a sudden crisis.  Similarly, if she is going through a good period, note what seems to be working at this time.  Is it the medication?  A relaxed environment without undue stress? 

Set clear limits on what behaviours you will accept.  Setting limits is about accepting and respecting your own feelings.  It’s also about taking your own needs seriously.  You have a right to be safe and comfortable in your own home.

Ask your family member to complete a Wellness Plan.  A Wellness Plan is a document written by a person living with mental illness.  It describes what keeps the person well and what her warning signs of relapse are.  It also lists all of the person’s key contacts.  Health professionals in the Capital District Mental Health Program provide wellness plan forms to clients.  Completing a wellness plan is valuable to people living with mental illness because they identify, for themselves, what keeps them well and their warning signs of relapse.  It is also valuable because it records important information for the person living with mental illness and their family.

Adapted from: Living With Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends, Capital District Health Authority, 2008

For many, managing mental illness requires discipline, self-reliance, perseverance and a tremendous amount of support.  Perhaps most important though is the realization that it is possible to manage mental illness.  It is possible for people living with mental illness to be in control of their illness just as it is possible for their family members to be in control of their lives.

While this is true, every person is unique and mental illness affects people differently.  Some people living with mental illness can manage it rather easily.  Others, however – especially those with severe and persistent mental illness – may struggle to manage their illness through most of their lives.  Families differ too in how mental illness affects them and in how they manage mental illness.

Supportive families play an essential role in helping a family member cope with mental illness.  People who manage their illnesses best are often those who have a strong social network to support them.

Be prepared for emergency situations.  Know what numbers to call.  Plan how you would handle the various situations that could arise.  With your family member’s permission, you may be able to discuss with his/her mental health professionals, what kinds of emergencies could arise and how they should be handled. 

Keep records.  Keeping clear records could prove useful in a future emergency, so try to keep a list of your family member’s health professional(s), telephone numbers, and other important information.  Also keep track of any specific events, such as a sudden crisis.  Similarly, if she is going through a good period, note what seems to be working at this time.  Is it the medication?  A relaxed environment without undue stress? 

Set clear limits on what behaviours you will accept.  Setting limits is about accepting and respecting your own feelings.  It’s also about taking your own needs seriously.  You have a right to be safe and comfortable in your own home.

Ask your family member to complete a Wellness Plan.  A Wellness Plan is a document written by a person living with mental illness.  It describes what keeps the person well and what her warning signs of relapse are.  It also lists all of the person’s key contacts.  Health professionals in the Capital District Mental Health Program provide wellness plan forms to clients.  Completing a wellness plan is valuable to people living with mental illness because they identify, for themselves, what keeps them well and their warning signs of relapse.  It is also valuable because it records important information for the person living with mental illness and their family.

Adapted from: Living With Mental Illness: A Guide for Family and Friends, Capital District Health Authority, 2008