Family Coping Research Paper

Three Stages of Coping with a Mentally-ill Relative
Having a mentally-ill family member affects the quality of life in the family in different ways depending on how well the family is coping with their relative's illness. According to the authors of the article Effects of Mental Illness on Family Quality of Life, family members go through three distinct stages when coping with their relative's mental illness.

Although families can experience each stage in any order or time, generally the first phase they go through is called "hanging on." This phase is characterized by tentativeness and uncertainty (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). Family members appear to be constantly fearful of symptoms worsening and the need for hospitalization (Walton-Moss
Although not all families reach this stage, the "doing well" phase is characterized by the assimilation of the ill relative into the daily lives of family members with few limitations (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). Families in this stage have established a method of coping with their relative's illness that is acceptable to all family members (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). Furthermore, due to their familiarity and understanding of the illness, family members become comfortable and competent detectors of early signs of regression. (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). Families who are "doing well" view their relative's illness as one aspect of family life, rather than the main focus. They also believe that medication and hospitalization are essential components of treatment. Families in this stage mostly view the future with optimism and are planning for their relative's future (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). These families also believe that their relative can and should be independent (Walton-Moss et al., 2005). Access to resources, intra-familial support, years of experience with the illness and positive encounters with health care providers are factors that help families reach this