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Family Support Program
Family Mental Health Support Program Serving Fort Pierce, FL
Mental health conditions affect about 1 in 5 people in the United States. About 5% of the population lives with a mental illness that impairs daily functioning.[1]
Living with a mental health condition can make many aspects of life more challenging. People with mental health disorders may have symptoms that affect their functioning and relationships.
The effects of a mental health condition can impact people and their families. Family members and other loved ones may struggle to understand mental health conditions or know how to help.
People with mental illness and their families must find comprehensive treatment and support. Agape Behavioral Center provides compassionate, holistic mental health treatment options, including our family support program.
Our family support program can help you take care of your own needs while learning about your loved one’s mental health condition. Family support can help your family work together to create a healthier environment for someone living with mental illness.
Here, we will explore the importance of family support for those living with mental illness. You will learn about how mental health conditions affect the entire family and how our family support program can help you move forward together.
How Do Mental Health Conditions Affect the Family?
When a family member lives with a mental health condition, it can impact all the other members in different ways. Parents may respond differently to a child with mental illness than the person’s siblings or extended family members. Children of people with mental illness may have different concerns than siblings or parents.
Mental health conditions can also impact families differently because of social, cultural, and environmental factors. Access to treatment, the type of mental illness, and the severity of the person’s symptoms can also determine the effect on family members.
While each family has their own experience with mental illness and treatment, it is clear that family treatment and support are essential. When families receive education, support, and resources, they are more likely to navigate these challenges in a healthy way.
Understanding the Importance of Family Support
It would be nearly impossible to exaggerate the importance of family support during mental health recovery. Families play a critical role in their loved one’s recovery process by providing:
- Emotional
- Educational
- Practical support
Emotional support may include things like listening to the person’s experiences and providing comfort. Educational support means finding information about a person’s condition and connecting them to resources and support. Practical support may mean helping with errands, childcare, or transportation.
When families stay close and engaged to a person with mental illness, the person benefits greatly. Family support can provide essential benefits, including:[2]
- Stability
- Encouragement
- Self-esteem
- Safety
- Confidence
- Hope
Family support and involvement reduce isolation and loneliness. People may feel empowered instead of helpless and alone.
Family support can help people feel grounded during a time of uncertainty and challenges. The support family members offer can help people work toward goals in recovery, improve functioning, and have a better quality of life.
What Happens in a Family Support Program?
Family support programs are designed to support the family members of a person with mental illness. These programs offer resources, therapy, and activities that can help people process feelings, understand conditions, and broaden their support networks.
Here is an overview of what family support programs offer.
Family therapy
Family members participate in therapy sessions with a licensed mental health practitioner. People work to process emotions and experiences, identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and learn new coping skills.
Family therapy can also help families get on the same page and create coping strategies as a unit. This can help to create a healthier environment for people with mental illness and all family members.
Workshops and activities
Family members may participate in classes, workshops, or activities that can help them learn about their loved one’s mental illness. Workshops may provide education about recognizing symptoms, developing coping skills, or providing support to a loved one with a mental health condition.
Workshops and classes can help family members develop important skills, make connections, and ensure everyone has access to the same information and support.
Community resources and referrals
Adequate community support is essential to people with mental health and their families. One of the primary goals of a family support program is to ensure people and their families know about their community support options.
During family support programs, family members can connect with mental health practitioners, doctors, and other specialists. They learn about additional community mental health resources and can get referrals to other programs as needed. The program’s staff can also identify the need for further treatment and make referrals to the appropriate facilities.
Learn More Now
If you or a loved one lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Treatment and support for the entire family are available at Agape Behavioral Center. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Mental Health
- National Institutes of Health: Family Support, Self-Rated Health, and Psychological Distress