Keli Hinkemeyer earned her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Cloud State University, MN after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Dependency and Community Psychology from St. Cloud State University, MN. She has a history of working with individuals who have spent time in the criminal justice system and are on parole. She has worked with individuals who have had an alcohol, substance, and behavioral addiction.
When suffering with a mental illness it is important to have the support of one’s family. However, that can be hard as family can have both a positive and negative impact on some people’s mental health. But have people ever thought about how mental illness can have an impact on family members?
Researchers say that stressors from a family member’s mental health can often lead other family members into experiencing their own trauma and mental distress. The increase of distress can be hard on the family as many people feel lost and stuck causing their relationships to look differently. Family members can experience emotional, social, and economic losses similar to those going through a death. Spouse’s often feel as if their spouse is not the same person they married and may have an increase in responsibilities. This type of identity confusion can also impact the relationships of parents, children, siblings, and more.
When family members feel struck counseling, services are often recommended. This is partially because counseling can help people voice their concerns and work towards accepting their new relationship. Another reason counseling services are helpful as they can assist families in completing the three needs researchers say families have when a member has a mental illness.
These needs are:
These needs are very important as it looks at the family as a whole. If you or a family member is experiencing a mental illness schedule an appointment with a mental health provider. At Lighthouse Counseling we want to help you and your family meet your needs and feel supported.
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