Relationships, Family and Mental Health

Relationships, Family and Mental Health

When you, your partner, or someone in your family has a mental illness, it can cause stress and worry for everyone. Mental illness affects individuals, couples, and families in different ways, but there are many ways that you can obtain information and help support your family.

How Mental Illness Can Affect Couples

Many relationships have their ups and downs, but if one or both people in a relationship have mental health issues, it can present additional challenges. It could be that living day-to-day with a mental illness, or with a partner with a mental illness, can affect your relationship in different ways. While conflict is a normal part of a healthy relationship, if you and your partner argue more often than usual, you can help both of you find support and guidance through counseling or other relationship support services, such as courses. . Violence in a relationship is never acceptable.

Breakups and Mental Illness

It's always sad and stressful when couples break up, but if one or both people in the couple have a mental illness, it can be very stressful.

If you're concerned about your own sanity while breaking up, the best place to start is by making sure you take care of yourself. Do you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and drink enough water? Try to exercise every day, even if you only go for a walk. Talk to trusted family and friends about your concerns.

You can also talk to your doctor about it; tell them that you are concerned about what your breakup is or could be for their well-being, your ability to work, or to care for yourself or your children. One or two counseling sessions can also help clear things up.

How Mental Illness Can Affect Families

When you or someone in your family has a mental illness, it can affect anyone. Some types of illnesses can cause major changes in family routines, activities, and finances. Different people in your family will react differently to these changes.

There are training courses for people caring for or living with a family member with a mental illness. The training has a good track record of helping the whole family. It's not just about caring for the sick, but also about managing your own health and stress. Ask your doctor about local or online courses you can take.

Parenting during Mental Illness

Parenting can be challenging and rewarding. If you or your partner have a mental illness, it can increase the challenges for your family.

If your children are under the age of three, you can get support from an Early Learning Center. They can help your little one sleep, eat, and discipline himself, and his own health and well-being. If you are outside Melbourne, ask your doctor for a referral.

If your children are over three years old, your healthcare team can refer you to services in your area that are right for you and your family. Ask your doctor, counselor, nurse, or other health professional where you can get support.

Crisis Plans for you and you’re Children

It's a good idea to have a plan in place in case you or someone in your family experiences a sudden or rapid decline in mental health. Make a list of people to call for support. Make sure your supporters also have contact details for others.

If your children are old enough to use the phone, keep the numbers somewhere where they can find them if necessary. Talk to them about what such a crisis could look like. Let them know that they can call someone they trust when they are worried, about you or themselves.

Raising a Child or Youth with a Mental Illness

Mental illness is common in the teens or twenties, so it is common for a person to live with their parents when their problems become apparent. The most common mental illnesses are anxiety disorders and depression.

Relationships between parents and children can be complex, and if your child has a mental illness, caring for them can sometimes be difficult. It is very important to do everything you can to take care of them and put them in charge of their own health care.

Taking care of yourself is also very important: taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. You can support others much better if you are healthy and rested.

You may not be able to solve your child's psychological problems yourself. If this is the case, talk to your doctor or your child's healthcare professional about more intensive treatments and support options. Read more about Hospitals, Clinics, and Housing Options.

Resources for Youth with Mental Illness

There are several online information and counseling websites specifically designed for youth, including:

If you spend a lot of time caring for someone in your family who has a mental illness, you or someone in your family may be eligible for financial support through the Cent relink Care Subsidy.

Family Violence and Mental Illness

If someone you love acts violently towards you or someone in your family, it will always have a negative effect on your mental health. It is not uncommon for people who are victims of domestic violence to suffer from depression.

Family or domestic violence is almost always committed by men against women. Therefore, domestic violence support services are primarily aimed at women and their children.

There is also help for men who are victims of domestic violence by their partners, men or women. A good place to start is the Victoria Domestic Violence Resource Center.