Mental illness is common in the United States. About half of all adults in this country will experience a mental health issue throughout their lifetime. One in five meets the criteria for a diagnosis of mental illness in any given year. Everyone has their own journey with mental illness, and no one has the same experience with recovery. The way people learn to cope with their mental illness depends on biological and environmental factors, including their support system. For many people, a family therapy program is important to managing their mental health.
If you believe that you or someone you love might require family mental health support, please reach out to the Atlanta Center for Mental Health staff. We offer a range of programs designed to support and empower people at every stage of their mental health journey. Call 833.625.0458 for more information or fill out an online intake form here.
How Are Family Members Involved in Mental Health?
Mental illness affects every aspect of a person’s life. It can impact their physical and social health and affects the members of their family and community. Family members and loved ones may require support and education about how to help their loved ones best and to take care of themselves.
Sometimes, family members can contribute to their loved one’s mental health issues. They may have beliefs or patterns that negatively impact their loved one’s ability to cope with their symptoms. When family members are willing and able to identify these patterns or beliefs and work to change them, change can occur. Family support is an important part of a person’s ability to manage their mental health and move forward.
Why Is Family Support Important to Mental Health?
Family members play an important role in supporting their loved ones both during and after treatment. They can actively support their loved ones in many ways, including:
- Helping them find a good treatment program
- Assisting them with daily activities while they are in treatment
- Participating in a family therapy program
- Getting therapy or support for themselves
Mental illness is never cured. Instead, people who experience mental illness require lifelong support after completing a treatment program. Many people find that life after treatment can be difficult. It can be challenging to move from the highly structured schedule of a treatment program to their real life. Many people discover that they need ongoing support and new relationships to thrive in recovery. Family members can play an important role at every stage in a person’s journey with mental illness.
What Happens in a Family Therapy Program?
Family therapy programs are designed to help a person recover from a mental illness or substance use disorder by addressing family issues that may have contributed to it. The goals of family therapy are:
- To repair relationships
- To help families get on the same page
- To educate families on addiction or mental illness
- To encourage a family member
- To provide a safe place to process emotions
Learn More About Family Therapy at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
If you or someone you love requires mental health treatment, including family therapy, please reach out to the staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We offer programs designed to support people so they can live healthy, fulfilling lives. In addition to family therapy, we offer:
- Anxiety and depression treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Residential mental health treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
If you are ready for life-changing treatment, do not put it off for another day. Call 833.625.0458 to speak with one of our admissions counselors or fill out an online intake form here.
