First Time

[KS22]

Hello,

We have been struggling with our one child for years and dealing with mental illness.  We have other children and watched the toll on them.  We have had them in individual therapy, but as they continue to grow and develop we worry how the illness of their sibling has affected them.  We are wondering if a sibling or family support group might be helpful.  Has anyone else experi need this or have any resources?  Thank you.

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[Woolspinner2000]

Hi KaylaS! 

Welcome! I'm very sorry for the stress I know you and your family have gone through. It is very hard to have a child with mental illness and then try to figure out how to balance all the rest of life and your family. Each child is so unique as I'm sure you know, and trying to not have one absorb all the attention because of their needs is very hard. I am not sure about the family or sibling therapy, so hopefully another member will offer their thoughts on that. I do know that T has been very effective and helpful for several of us in my family.

Have you taken a look at the list on the right hand side of this board? There may be some helpful things for you there. How old are your children?

 
Wools

[Feeling Better]

Hello Ks22, I would like to join Woolspinner in welcoming you on board.

I’m so sorry to hear of the effect that your one child has had on your other children, it must be heartbreaking for you. I applaud you for taking action by placing your children in individual therapy. I know that some counsellors/therapists do family therapy but I don’t know about family support groups, it would probably depend upon where you live. I struggled to find a support group for myself, there seemed to be lots of support for the mentally ill but not for the family members who often suffer too.

Has your child been diagnosed with BPD?