Family systems and mental health issues: a resilience approach

Authors:
COHEN Lynne, et al
Journal article citation:
Journal of Social Work Practice, 25(1), March 2011, pp.109-125.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

This study aimed to understand resilience in people who live with or support a family member with a mental illness. Participants from the Community Link and Network Western Australia (CLAN WA), including 1 male and 14 females, took part in semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed eight recurring themes which indicated the challenges the carers faced and provided indications of the positive and negative personal, family and social factors that impacted on their lives. The themes were: getting to the CLAN WA; accessing help including CLAN WA; impact of living with a person who has a mental illness or problematic behaviour; family and cultural issues; communication within the family; coping strategies and evidence of resilience; social support; and the notion of sacrifice. While there is still considerable work to do in supporting people who live with or support a family member, the authors concluded that individuals living with mental health problems can do more than just survive the process.

Subject terms:
mental health problems, resilience, carers, families;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Australia
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1465-3885
ISSN print:
0265-0533

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