in the last few days i’ve had occasion to think about the families of people who are dealing with mental health difficulties. would love to hear your thoughts. here are a few questions:
if you are someone who has experienced consistent mental health difficulties –
- how have family members helped you with it?
- have they ever made it more difficult for you?
- have you been able to give them useful information, and how did they deal with it?
- who do you consider your family? (close) relatives, friends, members of your community, and/or… ?
- what are your greatest hopes in connection with your family and your mental health concerns? your greatest fears?
- how do you feel your mental health concern has impacted your family, positively or negatively?
- have health professionals been open/interested in involving your family?
if you are someone who has a family member of friend with consistent mental health difficulties –
- how has your family member helped you understand what is going on for/with them?
- how has your family member’s mental health concern impacted your family, positively or negatively?
- what are your greatest hopes in connection with your family member and their mental health concerns? your greatest fears?
- have health professionals been open/interested in involving you as a family member?
- has your family member’s mental health concern changed how you view people or situations outside of your family?
if you are a health professional –
- how do you feel about family’s involvement in the care for persons with persistent mental health concerns?