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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.
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