Benefits of a Supportive Family

The Importance of Family Support in Recovery

For many people, good mental health and family support can go hand in hand. One research study even found that the majority of their patients with serious mental illnesses reported that their families were their primary source of strength. When problems with your family arise or your relationships with your loved ones are rocky, it could make your mental health problems worse. In contrast, when your family supports you, your mental health could show vast improvements. At Wellmore Behavioral Health, we know that family support for those struggling with mental health problems is important for many reasons.

Educating the Family

Many family members struggle to understand what their loved one is going through with a mental health disorder or addiction, and the result can be a disconnect. In order to help the person with mental health problems get better, both parties should be on the same page. One way to do this is for the group to attend mental health and addiction family therapy. The family will get a better understanding of their loved one and learn the best ways to help.

Mending Relationships

Along with family education on mental health, therapy can help mend strained relationships that may be related to a person’s mental health disorder. With stronger relationships and family support in mental health recovery, the loved one is set up for success. They can focus more on their mental health and less on their family problems that could be contributing to their disorder or making it worse.

Encouragement

Getting the approval of parents or family is important to many people whether or not they want to admit it. When a person recently leaves a residential mental health program, they can often be feeling vulnerable. Family support in mental health recovery can offer reassurance and provide this encouragement needed to help keep the person on track.

Supervision

Especially if the person underwent co-occurring disorder treatment for a substance abuse problem as well, they may need some supervision in early recovery. While their family should give them space, having people regularly checking in can help keep the loved one on track and even prevent a relapse. If the person does start to struggle with their mental illness again, the family will also be able to pick up on early warning signs faster and get them help.

Establishing A Support Network

Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help or support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and offer valuable advice.

Seeking Counseling

Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and other family members. A mental health professional at Wellmore can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one’s illness. We offer an array of outpatient and intensive in-home programs for children, teens, and adults to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety as well as other behavioral health issues.

Call us at 203-756-7287 (Children & Adolescents), 203-755-1143 (Adults), for more information. Telehealth and telephonic services are also offered.