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Impact of Emotional Illness on Families
- By James W Kelly
- Published March 7th, 2009
- Mental Health
- Unrated
The concept of "family values" has inundated our psyches; thanks to the media blast that nurtures a fictionalized image resembling a Hollywood-like script. It has been glorified to such a great extent that we can see them in print, view on the screen, and even hear about them on the airways. At times, the influence of a psychiatrist, tends to become a negative force on families when mental illness enters the equation.
Although there are families who have the ability and strength to stick together no matter what circumstances may present. While there are some families who accept only perfection in their members. In such families mental illness is considered as a weakness plus a lack of character, which can't be a part of their family surname. Therefore, if a member is diagnosed with mental illness then he/she becomes an unspoken dark secret. Usually, this member is excluded, alienated, and sanctioned as the "black sheep" of the family.
One of the common behavior against a patient suffering from metal illness is partial acceptance. At times, these patients
are supported only when they are stable. When their symptoms become active, the family becomes frightened and confused. Gradually, family members starts ignoring and emotionally unavailable. Worst part is that most families are not equipped with enough information on how to support their loved one in these situations.
It becomes extremely hard for these patients to change their family's attitude towards them. Add to this the media images, it is very hard on the person to accept family rejection. The constant barrage of critical statements makes families sabotage treatment of the sick family member. Most parents simply cannot accept the fact that their offspring have a brain disease. The ill child makes them feel guilty and personally responsible.
However, if a sick family member receives constant support then the treatment becomes much easier. Even the final outcome of treatment is much better when a patient receives enough emotional resources. By dispelling the notion of perfect families is a step towards this direction. As it can create only negative effects and abandonment in those whose families are not healthy enough.
Although there are families who have the ability and strength to stick together no matter what circumstances may present. While there are some families who accept only perfection in their members. In such families mental illness is considered as a weakness plus a lack of character, which can't be a part of their family surname. Therefore, if a member is diagnosed with mental illness then he/she becomes an unspoken dark secret. Usually, this member is excluded, alienated, and sanctioned as the "black sheep" of the family.
One of the common behavior against a patient suffering from metal illness is partial acceptance. At times, these patients
It becomes extremely hard for these patients to change their family's attitude towards them. Add to this the media images, it is very hard on the person to accept family rejection. The constant barrage of critical statements makes families sabotage treatment of the sick family member. Most parents simply cannot accept the fact that their offspring have a brain disease. The ill child makes them feel guilty and personally responsible.
However, if a sick family member receives constant support then the treatment becomes much easier. Even the final outcome of treatment is much better when a patient receives enough emotional resources. By dispelling the notion of perfect families is a step towards this direction. As it can create only negative effects and abandonment in those whose families are not healthy enough.