Mental Illness Family

Mental illness has long been perceived by the communities as a sign of weakness. Having a diagnosis of a mental illness causes patients and their family members to deal with several competing emotions, thoughts and feelings surrounding the diagnosis. This can be troubling to the family members leaving them with feelings of blame (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014). Throughout this discussion board I will describe the benefits and barriers a family may encounter when caring for a mental health patient.

Barriers such as stereotyping, discrimination, limited affordability and stigmas that are associated with mental illness prevents patients from seeking treatment causing them to feel hopelessness, shame and decreased self-worth resulting in helplessness which consequently excluding themselves from society altogether (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014). Family members and caregivers can propose as barriers to the patient as well, with the family members creating distance from

The family often plays a large role supporting the individual with mental illness and is capable of encouraging the patient to actively collaborate in their own treatment plan. Family members offer suggestions and provide healthy input with accessing appropriate health care services for when a relapse or crisis occurs. Having family's support help to provide guidance and direction along with a strong social network all work together in achieving goals and also results in the patient having fewer inpatient admissions, increased outcomes and overall better health (Corrigan, Druss, & Perlick, 2014). Family nurses can provide support and encouragement to the family members through the assistance of community support groups and programs, family therapy, provide mental health education and referral of mental treatment and rehabilitation centers (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, Tabacco, & Hanson,