How To Thrive As A Parent Coping With Serious Mental Illness-💜

Key Takeaways

• About one in five U.S. adults will deal with mental illness every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Parents with serious mental illness are at a 25% to 50% higher risk of social isolation and homelessness, based on HUD Exchange’s 2019 data.
• Creating a strong and supportive community helps parents manage daily life more easily. Parents can rely on resources like SAMHSA.gov, FindTreatment.gov, and local Michigan organizations like CNS Healthcare for treatment options, peer mentoring, and community assistance.
• Acknowledging your mental health condition is the first step toward getting help. You may want to seek out therapy options or medication from licensed professionals in Michigan, or reach out to services such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Self-care routines are vital for managing symptoms and improving self-esteem. Going to regular therapy, taking medication, or joining support groups recommended by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance can make all the difference.
• Only around 40% of adults with serious mental illness get outpatient care yearly. Make time to prioritize regular appointments with your therapist and doctors to maintain a healthy and stable lifestyle.

Understanding Serious Mental Illness as a Parent

As a parent dealing with a serious mental illness, you'll have unique challenges. Everyday obstacles already make parenting feel overwhelming at times, so acknowledging your condition and its impact on your family and daily life is an important step.

Recognizing and being open about your condition can open doors to effective treatment options and support, which will allow you to manage better while also caring for your loved ones.

Common challenges

Many parents find themselves coping with a major depressive disorder, psychotic disorders, or various mood disorders, while also raising a family. At times, they may face serious barriers to getting the help they need. High costs, lack of transportation in local Michigan communities, and not having access to the right healthcare providers make it more difficult for parents to get the treatment and support they need in everyday life.

Attempting to care for yourself or loved ones while battling a severe mental illness can lead to social isolation and increased risk factors for homelessness. People living with a serious mental illness are 25%–50% more likely to deal with homeless when compared to the general population. In fact, in 2019 alone, there were 52,243 homeless people identified by the HUD Exchange report as struggling with a serious mental illness.

Importance of acknowledging your condition

Living with a serious mental health disorder, like major depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, takes courage, and recognizing that you have a medical condition is not a sign of weakness, it reflects strength and self-awareness.

Recognizing your symptoms of mental illness early on and asking for professional help is the first step to managing your condition; however, social stigma remains strong for people living with serious functional impairment due to emotional disorders, or even drug use.

This stigma may result in reduced access to support groups, health professionals, and resources that could improve your daily activities and family life. However, the warning signs of mental illness should not be ignored. As one parent shared on the official website of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:.

Getting the necessary help can open up the path for a strong support system, which is a key strategy in managing long-term mental conditions while parenting.

Strategies for Parenting with a Mental Illness

Parenting with a mental illness is possible if you take the right steps to thrive. You can to start by building up a strong network of friends, family members, and mental health providers who are familiar with your struggles and needs.

Building a strong support system

Having a reliable circle and many interpersonal relationships is key to parenting with a serious mental illness. Start by reaching out to family members, friends, and other trusted people in your life that would be willing to support you.

Support groups also play a big role in assisting parents with serious mental health problems like panic disorder or even schizoaffective disorder. You can connect with local Michigan organizations like CNS Healthcare to visit drop-in centers, get peer support, mentoring, and attend educational activities for the entire family.

After-school programs are another area where you can get social support. Making staff aware of your situation can help them better support you and your kids. You don't need to do this all on your own, help is out there!

Developing a self-care routine

Having a regular self-care routine is another essential element for your well-being as a parent with serious mental health conditions. You'll need to prioritize activities that support both your mind and body. Attend therapy regularly and stay on top of your medication so you're able to manage the symptoms you face daily.

Consider joining Detroit peer support programs where you can connect with other parents often to gain new insight and understanding. You can also take advantage of mental health resources from local Michigan organizations like CNS Healthcare.

By empowering yourself through self-care, you're improving your overall health.

Seeking Professional Help and Resources

Getting the right mental health treatment can significantly improve your mental health journey and daily living routine. Therapists will provide guidance and evidence-based treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy to get you the right support for your unique needs. Medication can also help you manage symptoms like anxiety or depressive episodes.

Therapy and medication management

Therapy is key to managing serious mental illness. Having regular sessions with a mental health professional who understand your needs can help you build the coping strategies required to manage your daily challenges. Prioritize therapy sessions by setting appointments ahead of time and preparing for them so you can have a productive session that supports you throughout your week.

If mental health medications are included in your treatment plan, make sure to stay informed about the potential side effects of your medications. 

Community and peer support programs

Community and peer support programs provide valuable resources for parents who are dealing with serious mental illness. Connecting on a consistent basis with other parents who are going through a similar situation can make you feel less alone and overwhelmed. You can start treatment by finding support groups and local programs that are tailored to your specific needs. 

Support Yourself and Your Family

When coping with serious mental illness as a parent, you're going to need to prioritize creating a strong support system as well as a regular self-care routine to keep you stable and consistent.

Getting professional help and through local organizations like CNS Healthcare in Detroit can also make a huge impact in your life. Every step you take towards supporting your condition is leading you to improved mental health for both you and the young people in your life.

Asking for support is not a sign of weakness, it's empowering yourself to thrive as a parent while also managing bigger challenges, like your family!

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