Listening, Learning and Talking About Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
At the beginning, family members affected by mental health, alcohol and other drug problems might talk about what's happening in their family. They might tell other family members and friends that their child has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Or talk about their child using illegal drugs. I know this because it was like this for me. At the beginning I thought I could try to help others to learn about and understand these problems as I muddled through trying to work out w
Beating Stigma, Shame and Guilt by Hearing and Sharing Stories
Family members affected by mental health, alcohol and other drug problems are usually reluctant to talk about their experiences because of the stigma and discrimination they experience within their own family and in the community. Layered on top of stigma and discrimination are feelings of guilt and shame about what they could or should have done differently. This combination of negative feelings and experiences often results in families becoming socially isolated, seeking to
