How to Help a Loved One With a Mental Illness
After my little sister was diagnosed with a mental illness, I went in search of an organization that I could volunteer for to help both my sister and myself. I wanted to learn more about her illness, what she may be going through, what to expect, and anyway we, her family, could help her. I didn't know anything about a mental illness at the time. I also had the same stigma in my mind that everyone else had. But, I knew I loved my sister and she needed help.
First I did a basic web search on mental illness. I read all the definitions that applied, along with the explanations of what could happen. I also got references for books I could check out at the library; in summary I tried to do as much research as I could. I also stumbled upon an organization called the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I searched their website and I had a good feeling, thinking here's a resource our family could use. I also found a local chapter, and one step better than that, the president of that chapter who lived in my neighborhood. I thought this sounds perfect. I can make an appointment with them, explain my situation with my sister and her recent diagnosis, and tell them how I would like to volunteer for the group.
Leon and Mary Ellen Judd (two of the sweetest people I've ever met) welcomed me in their home to explain how their son was bipolar. They could relate to those new fears of a mental illness, they could see how difficult the road ahead will be, but they also reassured me that things will get better over time. Although their experiences were not the same as dealing with someone with schizophrenia, like the illness my sister has, it was an example of a family that could relate to my own fears and hopes of having a family member with a mental illness. They gave me resources to information from NAMI that included seminars for family and consumer education and support. They also gave me a glimmer of hope that I so desperately needed at the time.
I've been volunteering for NAMI metro as the publicity coordinator for a couple years now. Both myself and my family have also participated in the annual NAMI walks to raise funds and awareness where we have discovered a great group of people who are all driven by the same purpose.
Today, it just so happens, I took a survey for the national NAMI organization. They wanted to hear from either people with a mental illness or family members who are dealing with ones who are mentally ill and their experience with that initial psychosis. That was a frightening time for my family so I can only imagine what my sister was feeling, but it also brought up the point that we don't have enough resources for the mentally ill. Where does someone who can not help her inability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others because of the chemicals in her brain go from day to day? There are not enough options out there. My goal is to find a place for my sister where she can enjoy fun activities each day, get out of the house, be productive, and maybe even find a volunteer job or daily job that she can manage.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown. I know when I say the word €schizophrenia€ people still picture someone who is crazy, violent, and out of control, but that's not always the case. That is not my sister. She has the negative symptoms, which means she is missing some of the quote unquote normal behavior. By definition, she experiences emotional flatness, the inability to start and follow through with activities, lack of content in speech, and the inability to experience pleasure. I have found that although she does experience these symptoms, she still enjoys time with her family, finds simple joys in life, and loves to walk, go for bikes rides, and be creative. Although she does take her medication there is no cure for her illness.
I don't have all the answers here because everyday is different when you are dealing with a brain disorder. You don't know how things will pan out from day to day with them and you just need to keep that in perspective and take it in stride. My family works each day to help my sister live her life to the fullest, which is by no means easy and there are no set answers. We are still learning what to do. The best bet though is to take advantage of all the resources out there that you can. Since each person is different, along with their symptoms, you have to customize what works best for that individual person. I will never give up on my sister.
First I did a basic web search on mental illness. I read all the definitions that applied, along with the explanations of what could happen. I also got references for books I could check out at the library; in summary I tried to do as much research as I could. I also stumbled upon an organization called the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I searched their website and I had a good feeling, thinking here's a resource our family could use. I also found a local chapter, and one step better than that, the president of that chapter who lived in my neighborhood. I thought this sounds perfect. I can make an appointment with them, explain my situation with my sister and her recent diagnosis, and tell them how I would like to volunteer for the group.
Leon and Mary Ellen Judd (two of the sweetest people I've ever met) welcomed me in their home to explain how their son was bipolar. They could relate to those new fears of a mental illness, they could see how difficult the road ahead will be, but they also reassured me that things will get better over time. Although their experiences were not the same as dealing with someone with schizophrenia, like the illness my sister has, it was an example of a family that could relate to my own fears and hopes of having a family member with a mental illness. They gave me resources to information from NAMI that included seminars for family and consumer education and support. They also gave me a glimmer of hope that I so desperately needed at the time.
I've been volunteering for NAMI metro as the publicity coordinator for a couple years now. Both myself and my family have also participated in the annual NAMI walks to raise funds and awareness where we have discovered a great group of people who are all driven by the same purpose.
Today, it just so happens, I took a survey for the national NAMI organization. They wanted to hear from either people with a mental illness or family members who are dealing with ones who are mentally ill and their experience with that initial psychosis. That was a frightening time for my family so I can only imagine what my sister was feeling, but it also brought up the point that we don't have enough resources for the mentally ill. Where does someone who can not help her inability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others because of the chemicals in her brain go from day to day? There are not enough options out there. My goal is to find a place for my sister where she can enjoy fun activities each day, get out of the house, be productive, and maybe even find a volunteer job or daily job that she can manage.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown. I know when I say the word €schizophrenia€ people still picture someone who is crazy, violent, and out of control, but that's not always the case. That is not my sister. She has the negative symptoms, which means she is missing some of the quote unquote normal behavior. By definition, she experiences emotional flatness, the inability to start and follow through with activities, lack of content in speech, and the inability to experience pleasure. I have found that although she does experience these symptoms, she still enjoys time with her family, finds simple joys in life, and loves to walk, go for bikes rides, and be creative. Although she does take her medication there is no cure for her illness.
I don't have all the answers here because everyday is different when you are dealing with a brain disorder. You don't know how things will pan out from day to day with them and you just need to keep that in perspective and take it in stride. My family works each day to help my sister live her life to the fullest, which is by no means easy and there are no set answers. We are still learning what to do. The best bet though is to take advantage of all the resources out there that you can. Since each person is different, along with their symptoms, you have to customize what works best for that individual person. I will never give up on my sister.
