How Loved Ones With Mental Illness Affect Their Caregivers

[TexasTowelie]

Living with a mental illness is difficult – not only for the sufferer, but for caregivers, friends and family.

In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk how it can be isolating and disheartening to interact with someone who has depression, dementia or any other mental illness – and they offer some ideas that can help.

One of the struggles in caring for friends and family with mental illness is that we have no idea what we’re really dealing with. Unlike seeing someone with a broken bone, we don’t see mental illness. It's more like a cancer in that it affects the whole family and it lasts for a long time.

Another reason is that it is causing our loved ones to act like someone we don’t know. They may say things that might hurt us or do things out of character. Many times friends and family shut down, turn away and avoid conflict – but avoiding unpleasant interactions can further isolate someone who's suffering. So what do we do?

More at http://kut.org/post/how-loved-ones-mental-illness-affect-their-caregivers .

[bettyellen]

1. thanks TT, there is such stigma and too little help these days.

[TexasTowelie]

3. You are welcome.

I had issues with depression for nearly 30 years, but didn't start taking any medication until 2002 when I found out that I was insulin dependent. Last month I was feeling so hopeless that I went to the most drastic measures and was subsequently diagnosed with manic depression. I know how difficult it has been for both my family and myself so when I saw the article I knew the importance of sharing this information with others.

[bettyellen]

5. grew up with schizophrenic brother back when there were no meds for it. it all but destroyed the

family. Very few understand how hard it can be.
Take care of yourself TT, I am pulling for you!

[PasadenaTrudy]

6. My mom

had schizophenia. We had an awful family life.

[bettyellen]

7. I am so sorry, Trudy. It was difficult enough with a brother, caused my Mom lifelong depression and

shame- she felt that she should be suffering too. Too much stigma, too little help for families.

[IAMWE]

2. Thanks for sharing

I will read it later as I have lived through it with my dear mother, and know first hand how hard it is for everyone.

[TexasTowelie]

4. You are welcome and let me welcome you to DU.

Please see post #3 and this thread that I wrote about my personal situation: http://www.democraticunderground.com/107817262

ETA: Please accept my sympathies for the situation that you are encountering with your mother. It is difficult on everyone who has a loved one (whether friend or family that deals with mental health issues).

[liberal_at_heart]

8. My husband had a sudden onset of PTSD a few years ago. He is better but still has episodes

every now and then. It has been much harder than I thought it would be. If you don't work hard at taking care of yourself the caretaker can develop depression as well.

[TexasTowelie]

9. You are correct, unfortunately.

Mental health issues such as depression are contagious though I doubt that the medical community would ever admit it. Good luck with your situation with your husband and a cyberhug to you.