"The chronic and acute stress of supporting a loved one with SMI can take a toll. It introduces a unique sort of burnout in that it requires hypervigilance to when the next shoe will drop; it is terrifying when that shoe falls to extremely dark places. The reality is, your loved ones who struggle with SMI are more likely to experience many hardships such as substance use disorders, homelessness, and major health concerns."
"Unfortunately, navigating these relationships can also lead to isolation because it often requires grieving loved ones who are still present physically, but not always mentally. It is easier to explain a physical affliction to others, but the costs of a serious mental illness often confound those who have not had to personally confront it."
Serious mental illness in loved ones—including schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and borderline personality disorder—creates both chronic and acute stress for caregivers and family members. This experience often involves hypervigilance, fear of crises, and grief for loved ones who are physically present but mentally unavailable. The isolation intensifies because mental illness is less understood than physical ailments, and others may struggle to provide meaningful support. Holidays amplify these challenges. Caregivers face unique burnout while managing the reality that loved ones with SMI experience higher rates of substance abuse, homelessness, and health complications. Recognizing this shared experience and accessing appropriate support systems becomes essential for maintaining personal mental health.
#serious-mental-illness #caregiver-stress #family-support #mental-health-isolation #coping-strategies
Read at Psychology Today
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