One of the most exciting things to happen in the field of mental
health is the effort to share a clearer understanding of what persons with
mental illness go through in dealing with their illness. More and
more, research (and the calls from consumers) confirm what is just common
sense: people want to know what is happening to them; how to deal with
it; and how to get the effective help they need.
But what is almost equally as important is for the families, friends,
and relatives who care for persons with mental illness to share a similar
understanding. Consumers know how distressing the symptoms are--and
how it can frighten or upset those who are expected to have empathy.
Persons with mental illness want to be understood--and know they are
not alone in wrestling with such a difficult brain disease.
Some relief is on the way (in fact is already here at Touchstone
innovaré): Family Psychoeducational Programs. Called FACES at Ti,
Psychoeducational Programs help create "informed consumers"--persons who
understand their illness, families who share that understanding.
The federal government believes in the importance of such programs and is
highlighting it as an evidence-based practice that should be standard at
mental health programs. (The website can be found at the National
Mental Health Information Center)
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/communitysupport/toolkits/family/.)
Please take a look at a nice
Summary for Consumers on Family Psychoeducation.
