Families and Mental Illness Directory
If someone in your family has a mental illness, life can be challenging. Caregiving may be part of your daily routine, including giving medications, doctor visits, and making the family member feel loved. For some, mental illness may lead to behavior problems, even abuse. It's important to protect yourself and the rest of your family as well as the ill loved one. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how to care for a family member with mental illness, how to avoid burnout, what symptoms to watch for, treatments available, and much more.
Medical Reference
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What If Someone I Know Has Schizophrenia?
Caring For Someone With Schizophrenia. The Top Things You Can Do to Help.
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Helping a Loved One With Bipolar Disorder
Having a loved one with bipolar disorder affects your life, too. Learn how to care for both of you.
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When a Loved One Has Depression
Coping with depression is difficult for the person who is depressed as well as their family and friends. Learn more about how to help a loved one who suffers from depression.
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Depression and Sex: Treating Sexual Problems and Depression
Depression and sexual dysfunction often go hand in hand -- and antidepressants may worsen the dysfunction. WebMD tells you more.
Features
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Schizophrenia and Relationships
Schizophrenia and relationships: help for family, friends, and partners.
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Working With Schizophrenia
It’s important to have a job when you have a mental illness like schizophrenia. See why.
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When Schizophrenia Appears
Learn the signs of schizophrenia.
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Self-Injury: One Family's Story
Parents should watch for symptoms and encourage kids to get help.
Video
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Anxiety Disorders and Your Family
Psychologist Patricia Farrell, PhD, talks about family history as it relates to anxiety disorder.
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Emotional Stress Can Cause Illness
Gender medicine specialist Marianne Legato, MD, discusses how stress can lead to illness in both sexes.
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Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A life-altering event, positive or negative, can tip the balance for those vulnerable to mood disorders.
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How Stress Affects Men and Women
Psychologist Patricia Farrell, PhD, discusses the different ways men and women handle stress.
Slideshows & Images
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Phobias Slideshow: What Are You Afraid Of?
Afraid of crowds? Fearful of flying? WebMD investigates common phobias and how they can sometimes seriously affect our lives.
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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Schizophrenia
Hearing voices is just one of the many symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental illness explained in our slideshow. Brain scans may eventually help explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the disease.