Family Support Tips & Resources

To successfully support a loved one and stay healthy, family members benefit from their own dedicated support and education plan. Often, accessing this kind of help is the best first step in helping a loved one and is the equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on first before helping someone else on a plane.

 

Here are some useful tips and resources to help families navigate a loved one’s mental health challenge.

SUPPORT

No one should face a mental health challenge alone, even when the diagnosis isn’t theirs. Whether through paid therapy, family counseling, or a community support group, talking about your experiences can give you the support you need, help you understand what a loved one is going through, and teach you how to set boundaries.

 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A SUPPORT GROUP:

Support Tips

1. IMPARTIAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Formal and informal support should offer open-minded and confidential support. Leaning on other family members and friends can sometimes create tricky situations. A neutral setting can help family members to open up more about their experiences.

 

2. STICK WITH IT

Like many kinds of treatment, the benefits will increase over time. Give therapy or a support group enough time to help before stopping.

 

3. BUT DON’T GET STUCK

While sticking with the plan is important, it’s also important to find the right kind of support. If a particular group or therapy isn’t a good working for you, it’s time to move on. It’s okay to “shop around” for the right experience.

Resources

THERAPY 101

Basic information on knowing when and how to get help.

NAMI FAMILY CLASSES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

Free local support groups and classes covering a variety of topics.

LOW COST/SLIDING SCALE COUNSELING

Options for affordable counseling in Central Texas. Use the drop-down menu.

EDUCATION

Family members who take time to learn about mental health challenges will have more understanding about what their loved one is going through and will be more able to take care of their own mental health.

 

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET STARTED:

Education Tips

1. FIND GOOD SOURCES

Google is a wealth of information, but what you find can be overwhelming, exaggerated, or just plain wrong. Be sure to use trusted sources for information.

 

2. ASK QUESTIONS

Some parts of mental health and treatment options are confusing. Use your community resources to better understand the mental health system.

 

3. STAY JUDGMENT FREE

As family members learn more about mental health challenges, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different.

Resources

AUSTIN CHILD GUIDANCE CENTER CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS

Low-cost workshops about communication, youth and teen mental health, social development and more.

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Detailed guide to common mental health diagnoses, treatments options, and support.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Youth Mental Health First Aid is for anyone who works with youth and young adults ages 12-18 and 18-25 who may be in the early stages of a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. MHFA can save a life, just like CPR can save someone who is having a heart attack.

CIRCLE OF CARE GUIDEBOOK

Guide unpaid friends, family, and neighbors who care for someone with a mental health condition.

CRISIS PLANNING

No one wants to see a loved one go through a mental health crisis, but knowing what to do and where to get help can reduce stress and be lifesaving.

 

HERE ARE A FEW QUICK TIPS FOR CRISIS PLANNING:

Crisis Planning Tips

1. DON’T WAIT

It’s never too late to write down the details, even for family members in the midst of a crisis. The plan can be as simple as a document listing basic details such as contact information, medications, and treatment preferences.

 

2. AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Put important numbers, such as your local crisis helpline, into a phone can save time later. The crisis plan document should be easily accessible on a cell phone or at home.

 

3. SHARE THE PLAN

Everyone who might need to help needs to know the details of the crisis plan.

Resources

INTEGRAL CARE’S 24/7 HELPLINE

Integral Care is here for you – anytime, day or night. Our Helpline will listen and support you without judgement. If you or someone you know needs help, please call us 24/7 at 512-472-HELP (4357).

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS PLANNING FLYER

Printable flyer with questions to consider and actionable steps to create a crisis plan.

TRAVIS COUNTY CRISIS SERVICES

Crisis services in Travis County through Integral Care.

CENTRAL TEXAS CRISIS RESOURCES

NAMI Central Texas Crisis Resource Guide, including resources across Central Texas.

For free 24/7 emotional support, call Integral Care at 512-472-4357.
Visit NAMI Central Texas to check out support groups for adults, family members, and more.

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