On the verge of a breakdown?
It’s quite possible that symptoms of your loved one’s mental illness and your many concerns are causing you to experience anxiety and family tension. We recommend that you keep focused on your physical and mental health.
What is happening to you?
The vast majority of family members who have a loved one with a mental illness experience similar challenges. Regardless of city, country or continent, those affected by a loved one’s mental illness are often poorly equipped to adequately support their loved one in their recovery. If you recognize your situation in the following list of problems, know that it is normal and that you are not alone in experiencing these difficulties.
- Disrupted family life.
- Feelings of rebellion.
- Difficulty communicating with your loved one who has a mental illness.
- Feelings of powerlessness over the situation.
- Physical and psychological exhaustion.
- Feelings of guilt.
- Lack of information about mental illness.
- Marital problems.
- Extreme loneliness.
- Unstable financial situation.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, do not hesitate to contact a CAP santé mentale member affiliate.
Assess your stress
Are you experiencing physical symptoms related to your thoughts, feelings and behaviours?
- Accelerated heartbeat.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Backaches or headaches.
- Feeling overwhelmed by your problems.
- Attention and concentration issues.
- Hypersensitivity to criticism.
- Irritability.
- Feelings of uselessness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Coffee, alcohol and medication abuse.
If you answered yes to most of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for a check-up. We also encourage you to meet with a member of your local organization, who will support you and help you set boundaries so you don’t get burned out. Caring for a loved one with a mental illness can be challenging; take care of yourself.
