The experience of having a loved one living with mental illness can be complex, triggering many emotions and significant challenges. While one person is diagnosed, the entire family is affected. We wanted to take a deeper look at how mental illness can affect family members and what they may experience.

It can trigger a wide range of emotions

Caregivers of a person with a mental illness can be faced with various emotions. There might be guilt because they are unsure how to help their loved one, or parents may fear they have passed down the illness. There might also be some anger or frustration when times get difficult. Family carers can experience hurt if their loved one is going through a particularly rough period and is lashing out. The carer might feel misunderstood or judged by others, and they may or may not feel comfortable confiding in and relying on others, which can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Not all emotions are negative. A strong support system can help family to build resilience and enhance determination. It is normal to feel a whole spectrum of emotions.

Siblings are also affected and can experience different emotions. They may feel confusion or anxiety about their sibling’s mental illness. They might also feel loneliness if they do not feel understood by others, or if their sibling takes more place in the family dynamic because they require more care. Additionally, the sibling may also experience anxiety because they are not sure how to help their ill siblings or parents. Everyone reacts differently to different situations.

It can change the family dynamic

If an individual with a mental illness has special needs that require increased care, it is likely to affect the family dynamic. Some family members (or extended members of the family) may have to take up additional tasks such as help with groceries, medical appointments, or taking care of daily needs of their loved one. The individual may require more hands-on and more involved care, which might require the caregiver to leave a job, and this can cause financial strain. Certain challenging behaviours of the person with a mental illness can also take a toll on the family members.

It can affect physical and mental health of the family members

Caregiving comes with many responsibilities which can affect a caregiver’s physical and emotional health. Self-care is very important for caregivers. In fact, it is not just a right, it is an obligation if the family wishes to sustain their caregiving responsibilities. Things like eating well, finding a little bit of time for physical activity, and relying on a support system can help in the long run. It is important to take care of these things not only to be there for your loved one, but for yourself as well. 

AMI Quebec offers various programs to help support caregivers and family members of someone living with a mental illness. To learn about our different initiatives, please visit amiquebec.org/programs or call 514-486-1448. Know that you are not alone; we are here for you.

–Gabrielle Lesage
From Share&Care Spring 2025

Visit amiquebec.org/sources for references