Tips for Parents
A first step in helping other family members process this illness is to acknowledge that all family members are deeply affected and that you cannot do anything to make this go away. No matter how much you might like to do so, you won't be able to:
- Lessen the impact of the illness by not talking about it. It is better to discuss any problems openly so situations do not worsen.
- Shield siblings from their own feelings. Each child must learn to cope with the illness of his or her sibling.
- Determine how each family member will cope.
However, there are some things parents can do:
- Talk about your feelings and encourage your family members to express their feelings, too.
- Learn as much as you can about the illness, and communicate what you know to your family.
- Make sure the ill person does not become the center of attention around which all other family members revolve. This can be bad for everyone.
- Make special time for siblings, even if the time is short, so that they don't feel "forgotten," and make an effort to keep the lines of communication open.
- Arrange special attention and support for well family members to help them cope with the many issues they face.
Read books and articles about the sibling experience with mental illness, and find age-appropriate information on mental illness for all family members.
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