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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
What If Someone I Know Has Schizophrenia?
Caring For Someone With Schizophrenia. The Top Things You Can Do to Help.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Schizophrenia?
How do doctors know when someone has schizophrenia? It’s usually based on symptoms, and patterns of behavior, but doctors often use tests to diagnose schizophrenia. Learn more at WebMD.
How to Find Personal Strength as a Caregiver
Caregiving can wear you down emotionally and spiritually. These tips can help you stay strong and resilient.
Talking to Friends and Family About Your Bipolar Disorder
Tips and advice on talking to friends and family about your bipolar disorder.
Features
How Families Can Cope With Schizophrenia
What can families do to help their schizophrenic relatives, and to cope with this devastating illness?
Coping With Psychological Warfare at Home
Learn how to defend yourself from the psychological terror that war brings.
Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse Go Hand in Hand
Mental health problems are frequently complicated by substance abuse, putting patients in need of special care.
Depression and Divorce: Behind the Link
Depression can affect your spouse, your relationship, and ultimately the entire family.
Video
Anxiety Disorders and Your Family
Psychologist Patricia Farrell, PhD, talks about family history as it relates to anxiety disorder.
How Stress Affects Men and Women
Psychologist Patricia Farrell, PhD, discusses the different ways men and women handle stress.
Emotional Stress Can Cause Illness
Gender medicine specialist Marianne Legato, MD, discusses how stress can lead to illness in both sexes.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A life-altering event, positive or negative, can tip the balance for those vulnerable to mood disorders.
Slideshows & Images
What Are You Afraid Of? A Look at Common Phobias
Afraid of crowds? Fearful of flying? WebMD investigates common phobias and how they can sometimes seriously affect our lives.
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.