Dr.T.Gadambanathan & Dr.S.

Sivayogan

Objectives
Families Introduction Functional Families - Strong Families Stages in Recovery Involving families in the management of mentally

ill

Understanding families of mentally ill

A. Emotional roller coaster B. Needs Supporting families of mentally ill Sharing responsibilities of care of mentally ill to family members

FAMILY are the source of love, protection, Families

and identity for their members; All families have strengths, but many today face exceptional challenges Families are the backbone of communities. Effective families contribute to positive individual development, a quality workplace and workforce, caring communities, and a healthy nation

Functional Families

Believe in open and honest COMMUNICATION, Experience CONTENTMENT with their lifestyle, Have a sense of family HISTORY, Have a sense of HUMOR, Have a sense of OPTIMISM about life, Exhibit RESILIENCY during change, Have high SELF-ESTEEM, Have a sense of SPIRITUALITY, Encourage UNITY and family togetherness, and Share common VALUES.

RECOVERY
Recovery is the establishment of a

fulfilling, meaningful life and a positive sense of identity, founded on hopefulness and self determination.
Andresen, Caputi & Oades, 2006

Key Components-Recovery process

Finding and maintaining hopebelieving in

oneself, having a sense of personal agency, feeling optimistic about future Re-establishment of a positive identityFinding a new identity which incorporates illness but retains a core, positive sense of self Finding meaning in lifemaking sense of illness, finding a new meaning in life despite illness Taking responsibility for ones lifefeeling in control of illness and life

STAGES OF RECOVERY
EARLY SIGNS CRISIS

P O O R
RECUBERATION

RE-BUILDING

C O M P L I A N C E

LIFE BEYOND ILLNESS

INVOLVING CARE GIVERS

Understanding Supporting Sharing

Pearlins stressprocess model of stress in carers (adapted from Pearlin et al, 1990)

Early Signs
E : Confusion , Worry, Denial
N : Getting support , Understanding signs of illness P : Early intervention

Crisis
E : Fear , Shock, Denial ,Lack of acceptance of

diagnosis,guilt,grief,overwhelmed,ashamed,stigma
N : Assessment of family, information about services,

education about illness,practical support,compassion & empathy

P : Medication, Hospitalization,Treatment & discharge

planning

Recuperation
E : Hope ,optimism, frustration on and off, More

understanding
N : Focus on family needs , transitioning, respite care P : Medication, continuous education, Peer

support,Counselling, supported / independent living

Rebuilding
E : Encouragement , Loss Vs Hope , Better Coping
N : Balanced life , Work towards personal goals P : Vocational training , Family groups, Educational

forums

Life Beyond Illness

E : Confidence , Inter depenedent relationships
N : Collaborated work, Support from other families,

Opportunity for advocacy

P : Supported work , social events , volunteer

Transition Caregiver to Co-therapist

Care giver Patient

Before diagnosis, respondents experience emotional

anomie. Diagnosis provides a medical frame that provokes feelings of hope, compassion, and sympathy. Realization that mental illness may be a permanent condition ushers in the more negative emotions of anger and resentment. Caregivers' eventual recognition that they cannot control their family member's illness allows them to decrease involvement without guilt.
Karp 2000