Chris John, Psychotherapist
In the UK, our view of Mental health has changed a lot over the past few years. This is, in part, due to well-known faces having shared their own – often very personal – stories. This has led to a decrease in the stigma associated with mental health, and an improvement in how we treat and support those that live with various conditions and disorders. However, it is important to understand this is not the same for all cultures; some still retain the view that mental health challenges are shameful to the family, and thus something to be hidden.
This is why the importance of Mental Health Week cannot be overstated. It provides another opportunity to foster open conversations, helping to normalise mental health, to facilitate discussions around treatment, as well as education in support options for those who are experiencing challenges.
Our mental health can be impacted at any time during our lives. Disturbing traumatic events, for example – such as loss, divorce, and difficult financial and social issues – can have a devastating impact on both individuals and families.
But mental health does not exist in isolation; it can often directly impact, and be shaped by, familial relationships. For younger people especially, it can be a very confusing and scary experience – not only for the individual suffering, but also for those witnessing a family member struggling. It is also not uncommon for siblings to mimic one another; something that can extend to mental health conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. And for adults, it can also be a deeply frustrating and lonely experience. When trying to understand and then navigate the most suitable course of support and treatment, the various options can be daunting or overwhelming.
In my experience, working with the whole family during at-home mental health treatment brings immense value. It allows therapists to witness relational patterns in real time, ensuring that treatment is grounded in the reality of the home environment rather than assumptions or second-hand accounts. Families function as interconnected systems – when one member is struggling, the entire unit can feel the strain. By engaging everyone in the process, we can reduce miscommunication, teach coping strategies, and create shared understanding. This not only lowers the risk of relapse but also empowers family members to become active participants in recovery. It can also ease the weight on the individual, helping them feel supported rather than solely responsible for their progress – a powerful shift that can accelerate healing and create more lasting change.
The old adage is very much true in these cases; a problem shared really is a problem halved. And so, the power in shared responsibility can be a truly powerful healing force; significantly reducing the burden of responsibility on the individual.
