Just like any other major life event, family members go through typical stages of dealing with mental illness. These stages are predictable, but not everyone goes through them the same way. Some family members may sail through the stages; others may get stuck in one stage.
The three main stages are transition, coping, acceptance/advocacy. These three stages have certain characteristics.
- Transition – crisis, chaos, shock, denial, and hoping against hope.
- Coping – anger, resentment, guilt, recognition, grief.
- Acceptance/Advocacy - understanding, acceptance, advocacy, action.
There is no right or wrong way as you come to terms with your loved one’s illness. The process is ongoing. You may move from one stage to another, then a crisis occurs, and you slip back to a former stage. We are all at different stages at different times.
As you move through each stage, you will be more aware of what is happening to your loved one, you, and your family. As you move through each stage, you will be able to better care for yourself and your family member.
Let’s learn about each of these stages and how it affects us.
Coping
Acceptance/Advocacy
