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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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.
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Talking to Friends and Family About Your Bipolar Disorder
Tips and advice on talking to friends and family about your bipolar disorder.
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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.
Features
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Glenn Close: 'Mental Illness Is a Family Affair'
In flashes of childhood memory, actress Glenn Close can still see her younger sister, Jessie, anxiously picking at the skin between her forefinger and thumb. Many children have nervous habits -- but Jessie's seemed different.
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How Can I Help Someone Who Has Bipolar Disorder?
You can be a big support to a loved one with bipolar disorder, both in a crisis and in daily life. Learn the dos and the don’ts.
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When Hypochondria Stresses Your Marriage
Hypochondria is a true mental disorder, one that takes a big toll on those who have it -- and those who live with them. Here's how to cope in a healthy way.
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Helping Your Loved One Get Schizophrenia Treatment
Find out the steps you can take to help your loved one with schizophrenia when he or she is refusing to get treatment.
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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Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A life-altering event, positive or negative, can tip the balance for those vulnerable to mood disorders.
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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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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.