Supporting Loved Ones: Family Roles In Mental Health Recovery

While there may be a heightened awareness of mental health issues in the modern day, some people may struggle to understand the benefit of the family unit in overall mental health. Providing a supportive environment for one’s family members may promote mental health and aid those in mental health recovery. To understand this concept, individuals may explore research on mental health recovery and how to identify family roles. Several strategies for creating a supportive environment for you and your family members may help you move forward. 

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Understanding mental health recovery

As mental health awareness grows, society may be more aware than in the past about mental health conditions and treatments. However, with an increase in knowledge, doubts and fears may arise concerning mental illness. Some people living with mental health conditions may be unsure of which steps to take to achieve recovery and who they can rely on for support. In a recovery journey, the entire family may play a role in ensuring better mental health for an individual. 

The stages of mental health recovery and the role of family support

The process of mental health recovery is often described in stages. These stages often encompass a wide range of feelings and actions, such as: 

• Accepting support: This stage of family involvement for emotional and practical support may involve the acknowledgment that one is facing mental health difficulties, such as conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. 
• Educating yourself: Researching mental health and discussing mental health with a support system may help you gather insight regarding your condition or the diagnosis of a loved one. 
• Taking action: Because mental health is often a personal issue, this stage could entail various strategies. For example, you might reduce your intake of alcohol or cut communication with someone who has harmed you. Therapy with a mental health professional can also be helpful at this stage. 
• Building the framework: In this stage of recovery, individuals may replace old, unproductive behaviors, such as alcohol and drug misuse (previously called “substance abuse”) or negative thoughts with new productive behaviors. Those in this stage of recovery might take up a new activity or hobby that boosts self-esteem and promotes mental health.
• Committing to recovery: Recovery is often a lifelong process that requires work, attention, and care. Committing to this stage can mean making positive choices and prioritizing yourself.  

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

A challenge often faced by those undergoing mental health recovery for moderate to severe mental illness is a lack of a positive support system involving families and other groups. In these cases, the role of one’s family in mental health recovery can come into focus. Mental health recovery may be significantly less arduous when those with mental health conditions have a solid familial foundation of support. Family can provide a safe space for those with mental health conditions to speak openly and honestly without judgment. 

Identifying family roles

Family members can play various roles on the road to mental health recovery. These roles often reside firmly on the bedrock idea of providing a support system for family members who are undergoing severe mental strife.

One role is the caregiver, who often provides and looks after an afflicted family member. An advocate might assist the family member in seeking out therapy or other treatment. A general supporter might lend an ear to their family members’ struggles. Often, the mental health strategy in recovery is to make the overall reduction of mental illness symptoms possible and more manageable for an individual, potentially reducing the role different family members play in the recovery process over time as a person develops independence. 

How to create a supportive environment

Family members facing challenging mental health conditions might be reluctant to share their concerns with the family or include them in the treatment process. However, doing so may have a positive effect on mental health recovery. 

For this reason, family members may benefit from providing a supportive environment where others are comfortable including them in the recovery process openly and honestly, free of judgment. 

Tips and strategies for creating a supportive environment

Tips and strategies for creating a supportive environment can include the following:  

• Provide emotional support: Practicing active listening and empathy may let your family members know you are available to listen when they talk about their mental health struggles. 
• Encourage treatment: Despite the increased emphasis on mental health in modern society, individuals often face personal and societal barriers to treatment. Creating an environment where family members are comfortable and encouraged to seek treatment for their conditions may reduce the risk of severe mental health symptoms. 
• Promote positive habits: Family members, particularly children, often practice behaviors learned from a young age. Set a positive example for your family by promoting positive habits in yourself. 
• Provide a support network: Be present and try to support those you love to let them know you’re part of their support group.  
• Educate yourself: Educate yourself on the mental health conditions your family member might be facing. 

Navigate mental health recovery and family dynamics in therapy

Connect with a licensed counselor

Finding professional help 

While the bedrock of support provided by a healthy family may positively impact the road to mental health recovery, professional help via individual or family therapy may be more effective for long-term care. Family members can also watch for common signs that someone in the family might benefit from treatment options like therapy, mental health nursing, or medication.

Flexible mental health support through online therapy platforms

For family members who face barriers to finding in-person mental healthcare, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be more accessible. Online platforms are often more cost-effective and can offer unique resources like weekly sessions, support groups, worksheets, and journaling prompts. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Studies show that online therapy is effective in supporting a range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, which are the most common mental illnesses in the US. In one study, internet-based therapy was found to be more effective than in-person therapy in reducing symptoms of these conditions and improving quality of life. The intervention was also more accessible in cost.