When a family member suffers from a mental illness, one of the most important things to do is to take the time to learn about the disorder. By educating yourself as much as you can about the mental or substance use disorder, you can take an active role in your family member’s recovery. The Family Toolkit was designed to assist families in caring for a family member with a mental illness by providing information and practical resources.
What you'll find in the toolkit
The toolkit consists of five learning modules:
Module 1: Understanding Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Find an overview of common mental and substance use disorders and how to seek help if you suspect your family member is experiencing mental health problems.
Module 2: Supporting Recovery from a Mental or Substance Use Disorder
Find information and practical resources that can help families and their family member effectively manage their mental illness on a day-to-day basis and prevent a relapse of symptoms.
Module 3: Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
Find practical skill training in effective communication and problem-solving.
Module 4: Caring for Yourself and Other Family Members
Learn how a family member's illness impacts of the rest of the family and suggestions for coping.
Module 5: Children and Youth in the School System
Find information for parents on supports and services needed to ensure that children and adolescents with a mental illness can work to the best of their ability in school.
