Illness of a friend or family member
One person’s illness changes the life of many people – relationship, family and friendships. Falling ill is a crisis that everyone faces in their own way. Accepting the new life situation takes its time.
A friend or family member’s mental illness may be a major crisis not only for the person who falls ill but also for other people in their life. Their relationship, family life or friendship may be put to the test if the necessary support is not available.
It’s also good for friends or family members of the one who falls ill to receive help so that they do not become exhausted or ill. In addition, it’s important for friends and family members to take care of themselves – to do things that give strength and meet people that are easy to be with. If the person who falls ill has a care provider, it’s possible to negotiate with it on the situation and how all parties could receive sufficient support. It’s easier to walk alongside a loved one if you have received support to handle the situation from a professional or peer.
You’re a great support for your loved one. The fact that you exist is enough.
Even if the illness destabilises life, many things may also become easier when the symptoms of the disease get a name and an explanation. You can live a good life with many illnesses. Difficulties can also strengthen the relationship, even become a shared survival story.
When your partner falls ill
Falling ill can change your spouse and your time together. It’s natural to miss the person and relationship that seemed familiar and safe before the illness. However, the relationship may also be strengthened when the illness is encountered together.
When a partner falls ill, handling daily life may largely become the responsibility of the other party in the relationship. The economic situation may also cause concern. It may seem like your partner is the illness and not another person on an equal footing.
Self-compassion is an important skill when your partner is ill. It’s understandable if you’re sad or angry.
Sharing things and a good emotional connection help you manage. It’s important that both parties in the relationship can experience caring, care and connection regardless of the illness.
If the family has children, it’s good to tell them about the illness, its consequences and treatment honestly, in a manner that is suitable to the age of the children. It must be emphasised to children that they are not the cause of the illness and that they are taken care of. Among the whole family, you can also consider what kinds of things could be done together. All family members are allowed to need help and support.
When a parent falls ill
A parent’s falling ill is very common. In this case, the child may have to take care of the parent and domestic work more than they should. It may be difficult to concentrate on school when worrying about the parent takes up so much of their thoughts. However, you do not have to survive alone.
Although it may feel difficult to tell your loved ones or professionals about the matter, it’s worth it. By seeking help, you can get more information about the parent’s illness. It often helps when you find information on how the illness affects daily life and how other people who have experienced the same thing have survived.
A parent’s illness is never the child’s fault – no matter what age the child is – and it’s not the child’s duty to ensure that the parent is doing well. Children have every right to be happy and live their own lives.
How to help a child whose parent has fallen ill
Do you know a child or young person whose close adult, such as parent, has fallen mentally ill? You can be the one who stops to ask, listen and help the child forward. Ask the child how they’re doing. The child often has too many concerns and responsibilities, but their support needs are not always taken into account. The child may seem like a survivor or have severe symptoms, but always needs the help of an adult.
When a child falls ill
The illness of your child raises difficult feelings and questions. However, the child has good chances of recovering when they receive help and maintain a safe relationship with their family and friends.
By discussing things, you can show that you support the child. You should also ask the child directly about difficult matters, such as suicidal thoughts. It’s good to remember that a parent is important to the child, even if the child would like to push their parents away with their behaviour. The child needs acceptance, love and care. It’s important to tell the child that they are valuable, lovely, unique and special. In addition to parental support, outside assistance is needed. Information about the illness, its treatment and recovery helps both the parent and the child.
