Supporting families through education

Understanding how to support a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness can be challenging and at times, even isolating. That is why, more than 15 years ago, the Mental Health Family Education Course was introduced at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, in support of patients and their families. 

The course is offered through St. Joseph’s Mental Health Care Family Council, which is made up of volunteers whose members advocate for the families and loved ones of patients. 

"If families are involved, and provided with education on how to support their loved one once they are discharged from hospital, their loved one typically does a lot better.”

“The main purpose of the course is to educate family members, help them better understand and navigate the mental health care system, and link them to appropriate community resources as needed,” says Laurel Lamarre, Family Liaison of St. Joseph’s Mental Health Family Resource Center. “Research demonstrates that if families are involved, and provided with education on how to support their loved one once they are discharged from hospital, their loved one typically does a lot better.”
 
Over the span of thirteen weeks, course participants meet weekly to learn through the lived-experience of professionals and individuals who have navigated mental illness and the health care system themselves, or have supported a loved one with a mental illness. Topics range from discussions around various types of mental illnesses and how to communicate with your loved one, to mental health and the law.
 
The course was initially developed out of a need to provide support to families whose loved ones were receiving mental health care at St. Joseph’s, but is now open to anyone within the community. “It is open to anyone supporting a person with a mental health concern,” adds Laurel. 

Family Council co-chair, and retired teacher Chris Boyd, is a long-time presenter in the course who offers the unique perspective of someone who has experienced mental health care in different capacities. “I'm both a volunteer at the hospital and I'm an outpatient. I'm also a family member, as both of my children have had ongoing mental health challenges. So, I share things from all three of those perspectives with course participants,” says Chris. “I have insight from different points of view and can share some of my own personal experiences. I'm teaching about something that I have personal knowledge of.”

"Supporting a loved one with mental illness can feel like a secret that is bearing down on you… until you open up and find other people who are there.”

Demand and attendance for the annual course is high – spaces typically fill up within a week. In the past, courses were only offered in person at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute and people came from as far as Kitchener and Chatham to attend. Now being offered virtually, this year’s Family Education Course is already in session with a fully booked group. The next course will be run again next year; however, dates have not yet been confirmed. Although Laurel admits they have encountered some typical challenges with moving to an online environment – including technology issues and different group dynamics- going virtual hasn’t affected group engagement. 

“My experience is that people are always willing to engage and share,” adds Laurel. “Participants get so much out of the topics covered, which are very relevant to families and loved ones.” 

Learning through the knowledge and experience of others, making connections with presenters and each other, as well as having their own stories and struggles validated in a non-judgmental setting, is what Chris believes is of utmost importance to course attendees. But perhaps the biggest benefit of all Chris stresses, is the feeling of community. 

“You feel like you are not alone. Supporting a loved one with mental illness can feel like a secret that is bearing down on you… until you open up and find other people who are there.”