FAMILIES CAN HELP
Mental illness is a family problem. Most American families have at least one member who is affected. It may interfere with daily living and present behavior that is difficult to understand.
Mental illness frequently creates emotional, social, or financial problems for the whole family.
This page has been designed by the health care professionals of Marquette General Hospital to help you:
* identify signs and symptoms of mental illness.
*become familiar with available helping resources.
* deal with feelings associated with mental illness.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Mental illness usually has a slow onset and you may only gradually realize that something is wrong. The following symptoms are often present:
* withdrawn behavior. The person may spend more time alone and show a decreased interest in family activities, work, or play.
* physical complaints that have no physical explanation, such as inability to sleep or eat, headaches, or stomach aches.
* inability to concentrate or make decisions. Hostile and abusive behavior may sometimes occur.
* unreal fears. Complaints of being followed or talked about or that others are after him/her.
* tension or anxiety with problems that are not really there. A feeling of nervousness or an inability to cope with daily living tasks.
* extreme changes in mood. Swings from really happy to suddenly depressed.
* hearing voices that are not there or seeing things that are not there.
While just one of these behaviors may not be an indicator
of mental illness, if you are concerned, or if the behavior is affecting
the person's normal functioning, you should seek help.
FAMILY FEELINGS
The family may experience some confusing feelings themselves, knowing or feeling something is wrong. These feelings may include:
denial -- this really isn't happening to him/her or us.
guilt -- what did, or didn't I do, to cause this?
hostility -- getting angry with the person, wanting them to behave and stop the disruption in the family.
concern/fear -- will the mentally ill person hurt themselves or others?
HOW A FAMILY CAN HELP
Understand and admit that there is a problem and seek help. Talk to someone about your own feelings. The mentally ill person needs understanding and love, but also independence and personal responsibility.
Family members need to have individual activities and interests as well as activities including the mentally ill person. Understand and try to avoid situations that may be upsetting, such as crowded areas, noise, and confusion that may increases stress for everyone.
If the mentally ill person should become hostile, abusive, or threatening to others or self, call for help!
GENERAL
RESOURCES
Your family doctor -- he/she may spot the first signs of mental illness and help the patient and family seek appropriate help.
Community mental health centers
-- these centers have 24-hour crisis lines which offer counseling and
support to the patient and family. Usually listed under your county in the
telephone book.
Hospital emergency
departments -- they will evaluate and decide
if emergency care needs to be given with consultation by the community mental
health person and/or psychiatrist.
Schools -- ask for the school
counselor.
Family agencies -- agencies such
as Catholic or Lutheran Social Services offer counseling and support. Ministers
of your faith are also a source of counseling and support.
Psychiatrists -- offer individual
and family therapy.
Department of Social
Services -- may be able to help
financially.
Social Security Administration
-- may be of help if the patient is going to be disabled for an extended
period of time.
ACTIVITIES THAT FAMILIES CAN DO
TOGETHER:
_____________________
Camping
Hiking
Going to the show
Riding bike
SPECIFIC
RESOURCES FOR YOU:
___________________________
--IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS--
C.A.R.E.S. (Crisis Assessment, Referral, and Evaluation Service) of the Upper Michigan Behavioral Health Service
(906)225-3994 -or- (800)562-9753, ext. 3994
MGH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
(906)225-3560 -or- (800)562-9753, ext. 3560
Additional health information is available through the
MGH Health Information Center
(906)225-4950 -or - (800)562-9753, ext. 4950.
©1983 Marquette General Hospital, Inc.
REVISED--NOVEMBER--1997
Additional health information is also available through the
MGH Health Information Center
(906)225-4950 or 1-800-562-9753, ext.4950.