Often, when one family member is struggling with mental illness, all members of the family are affected in various ways. What may be reality for one person may be completely different for another, so it is important to talk openly and connect in meaningful ways that can help everyone to cope together.
In this episode of The ReConnect Podcast, Ganel-Lyn sits down with Julie Lee, host of the “I See You” podcast, to discuss coping with mental illness in a family.
Julie explains that saying “I see you,” means that I am aware of you, your life, and your needs. In other words, you are not invisible. Connection comes when we learn to truly see each other and are willing to do what it takes to help. We need to find out what kind of connections each person needs in order to feel “seen.”
Coping with the negative emotions associated to family trauma can be hard. Sometimes healthy connection requires a disconnection first. Taking a break from family members can be a good way to reconnect with yourself and your Creator to make sure that you are mentally healthy. It is possible (and important) to recognize how other people’s trauma, actions, or emotions have affected you without making them feel shame for it. A boundary that is created in love can lift and heal relationships, by giving you the space to understand yourself and how you are dealing with trauma within the relationship.
We must also recognize that mental illness can have different outcomes for different people. Your struggle with depression may not (and probably won’t) look the same as someone you’ve watched go through it before. You can have a different outcome.
Toward the end of the interview, Julie Lee shares this heartfelt message directly to the listener: If you are struggling with mental illness, “I believe and know with all my heart that there is a next step for you.” Nobody is “extra.” If you’re willing to put in the extra work and stay, you’ll never regret it. The world needs you.
To learn more about Julie Lee and her podcast, visit : www.iseeyoupodcast.com
The ReConnect Podcast is produced by Anasazi Foundation. Anasazi Foundation is a wilderness therapy program for at-risk youth, and our mission is to help turn hearts homeward. Learn more about us at Anasazi.org. You may also find inspiration in reading our book, The Five Legends.