.jpg)
How can families of children with mental illness get support?
A. Like other serious illnesses, taking care of a child with mental illness is hard on the parents, family, and other caregivers. Caregivers often must tend to the medical needs of their loved ones, and also deal with how it affects their own health. The stress that caregivers are under may lead to missed work or lost free time. It can strain relationships with people who may not understand the situation and lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
Stress from caregiving can make it hard to cope with your child’s symptoms. One study shows that if a caregiver is under enormous stress, his or her loved one has more difficulty sticking to the treatment plan.4 It is important to look after your own physical and mental health. You may also find it helpful to join a local support group.
