ARAFMI Tasmania

An Association of Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill (Tasmania) Incorporated

All these emotions are normal responses to an extraordinary situation.

 

Many family members will feel confused and very upset at various times during the illness. Many can feel:

 

Initial shock and disbelief.

Resentment at the relative’s challenging behaviour.

Anger at the relative, (there is always pain or fear under anger)

Frustration as our helplessness struggles with our need to help a loved one.

Worry over what will happen to them.

Guilt over not having done enough, or should not have done something, or that I could have prevented the condition if….

Grief over losing our relationship with our relative.

Grief over their suffering.

 

We are often in the position of trying to be psychiatric nurses but, without training, holidays, time off, pay, supervision, assistance etc, is it any wonder that the wheels fall off sometimes!

 

It helps to separate the person from the mental illness. “Part of them is depressing/angering right now, but there is also another part….” Remember their former strengths, talents, gifts etc