Why do we need Mental Illness Support Groups?

Lot of times, we shy away from talking about mental illness or having a need to take care of a relative, family or friend who is suffering from any form of mental illness.  To avoid this situation and also to deal with the care-giving support with full dedication and love,  encouraged by similar souls around us is the best form of medical care we give to ourselves as care-givers.

Why do we need Support Groups-  especially this group?

• To share our experiences and feelings and understand that we have people who can think and help being in our shoes
• Emotional support when we need that pep-up in life as we deal with difficult situation of medical care
• Understanding the role of care giver with help of a doctor or a counsellor
• Provide behind the screen support and fall back on each other during crises
• Feeling that you are not alone and left behind and to improve care giving with mutual help
• Understand the various problems that come in the care-giving process

Frequent Problems faced by Care-givers

1.  Not having adequate care giver education
2.  Repeated disturbance to normal life cycle
3.  Distraction from routine and work 
4.  Influencing children living with the patient
5.  Feeling of slowness to pace with the patients aggressive behaviour and ambitions
6. Humilitation due to stigma of mental illness still existent in our society due to stigma of mental illness still existant in our society.
7. Difficulty to accept dear one's mental illness
8.  Mental fatigue and lack of concentration 
9.  Fear of leaving behind the patient when going to work or running errands
10. Some cases, care-giving will be a life time requirement
11.  Burden of finances as mental illness insurance is still a debate in India
12.  Requirement to keep a watch always on the patient
13. Genetic impact may cause similar symptoms in the children as well
14  Reactions of anger, frustration and not being able to control emotional reactions all the time
15.  Places and situations may demand certain reactions which are answerable to the society.
16.  Not able to differentiate from normalcy and and not able to talk as reactions are not predictable
17.  Not being able to defuse aggressive situations 
18.  Pressure of doing a balancing act, and not able to educate children on acceptance of the illness of a loved one at home
19.  Feelings of helplessness and thinking to leave and go away
20.  Suicidal thoughts as an escape from care-giver role
21.  Guilty thoughts when forced to leave the patient in a home or hospice 
22. Sleeplessness due to fear and panic having ripple effects on care-giving.

A strong support system will help the care-givers address all these issues with confidence,  hope and care.