Sometimes families feel like they literally need a GPS unit or a roadmap to navigate through the mental health care system. It can be a maze. It can be confusing. It can be frustrating. It can be scary.
F.A.M.E offers families the opportunity to work with a Family Outreach Worker to develop their own personal tool kit that will make the journey just a little easier. For more information or to speak with a Family Outreach Worker about how you can develop a personalized tool kit contact the nearest F.A.M.E office.
Helpful Hints for Families
- Work towards accepting the illness and it’s challenging consequences.
- Develop realistic expectations for your family member and yourself.
- Accept all the help and support you can get. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Join a support group.
- Eat right, exercise, and stay healthy.
- Stay optimistic and take care of yourself.
- Try thinking in terms of “brain” illness, instead of mental illness. This can be helpful in dealing with both external and internal stigma.
- Let go of the guilt.
- Remember that NO family is perfect– whatever you did, or did not do, you DID NOT cause your family member’s illness.
- Find a new hobby for yourself and the person who is ill. Remember to laugh, take walks and nurture yourself.
- Every problem is a solution waiting to happen. Ask a F.A.M.E. worker or a trusted friend for help if you have run out of new ideas.
- If you feel that you are “going in circles”, take a break. Try to be creative if the old approach is no longer working.
- Continue to educate yourself about your family member’s illness.
