According to the American Psychiatric Foundation (2018): “Mental illnesses are health conditions that involve changes in thinking, emotions, or behavior (or a combination of these ). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities” (American Psychiatric Foundation, p. 1, 2018). There are different types of mental disorders that can affect individuals at any stage of life. Some of these include: autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. However, these are just a few of the many types of mental disorders that exist. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The number one mental illness faced in the United States would be anxiety-related disorders (American Psychiatric Foundation, p. 1, 2018). In the text, Miller-Day argues that nearly 57 million adults currently suffer from at least one mental illness in the United States. However, researchers have admitted that this figure is somewhat unknown due to the great stigma associated with such diseases (Miller-Day, 2011). Stigma plays a major role in these sometimes invisible disorders. Treatment and management can become very difficult for families living with mental disorders, mainly because most are permanent and incurable. When families are dealing with a loved one who has been diagnosed with a mental disorder, they are typically offered three treatment plans. These include: hospitalization, medications, and psychotherapy. Although in most cases these disorders are never completely eliminated from individuals, these treatments have been the most significant in relieving symptoms. Many mental disorders are also fatal, such as depression. Many lives are taken by suicide, leaving families devastated. Not to mention that these cases are happening more than ever. Whitaker states that since the introduction of Prozac in 1987, approximately 400 people a day are diagnosed with mental illness (Whitaker,2005). It is not yet known whether people suffer more or want to get drugs. However, this massive epidemic should not be taken lightly, and interventions and treatment plans should be viewed with a high degree of concern. Family communication and behavior play a major role in the outcomes of such individuals. Families who play an active role in their loved one's lives tend to have more favorable outcomes in these cases. Barrowclough, et. al. studied such ideas in patients with comorbid schizophrenia, emphasizing the role of family interventions in treating dual disorders. The two examined had substance abuse and schizophrenia. Intensive treatment programs emphasizing treatment concepts consistent with motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family interventions were used. Thirty-six participants were studied in this experiment, 18 received the above treatments, while 18 received only routine care. Those in the first group, who were part of family-based interventions, had significant improvements in overall functioning compared to those who received routine care. In this 12-month study, nearly 94% of the 18 who received a family intervention as part of treatment had both improvements in schizophrenia symptoms and total abstinence from drug and alcohol use (Barrowclough, et. al. , 2001). Pitschel-Walz, etc. al. they also studied drug-addicted schizophrenic individuals. TheFamily-based interventions compared to patient-based interventions have been shown to successfully reduce substance abuse. Recidivism in these individuals is generally 60%, however, with family involvement in the intervention, it is reduced to 40% (Pitschel-Walz, et. al., 2001). As we can conclude, family interventions in the management of schizophrenia and drug addiction can produce significant results. Families can communicate nonverbally, as in these examples, and directly improve the situation of loved ones dealing with mental illness and addiction. These behaviors indicate support during the lifelong struggle with mental disorders. Pitschel-Walz, et. al., studied family-based treatment versus individual-based treatment, as did Rea, et. al. in an experiment on bipolar disorder. Bipolar is a mental disorder that causes sudden and aggressive mood changes in individuals. These range from manic highs to depressive lows. This experiment focuses on psychosocial treatments as an adjunct to pharmacological preservation. According to Rea, et. al. (2003): “Results indicate that family-based outpatient treatment may lead to a reduced risk of relapse and rehospitalization, compared to a comparably paced individual treatment program. Differences between groups were particularly evident in the year following participation in the treatment program, when 28% of those who received a family-based intervention relapsed, compared with 60% of those who received treatment based on the individual. The results regarding rehospitalization during the post-treatment follow-up period were even more surprising: 12% of patients in family treatment were rehospitalized, compared to 60% in individual treatment" (Rea et. al., p. 489, 2003). As we can see, in this example, just as in the other one examined, family involvement is crucial to the outcomes of patients with mental health problems. Autism is another mental disorder that affects communication and learning for many Americans. Family-centered approaches also produce improvements in the areas of social communication, emotional regulation and transactional support in those with autism. Such approaches depend not only on the education of autistic individuals, but also on the education of their parents. When both the autistic individual and the corresponding family member work to achieve these goals, the autistic individual puts in more effort (Prizant, et. al., 2003). The use of family members in the rehabilitation and care of patients with mental illnesses has a direct link to beneficial health outcomes (Saunders,2003). However, engagement can be far from easy, as demonstrated in Saunders' study. As the author suggests, families constantly adjust and adapt to mental illness. Most mental illnesses affect all aspects of family functioning, family relationships and also increase emotional and physical illnesses within the family. Such changes can also strain finances, marital relationships and daily household activities, as Saunders suggests. Communication efforts on such issues can place a strain on all family members. As stress increases, in many cases harmful words are projected accidentally. Mental illness can be one of the most challenging chronic health problems that individuals and families face. However, with encouraging input from each family member on such matters, results are possiblebetter in these difficult circumstances (Saunders,2003). As we have seen, thus far, family involvement in treatment has been significant for the outcomes of these individuals. But what happens when the family is on the other side of a plastic screen? Due to violence and addiction, many of them suffering from mental disorders are incarcerated for various reasons. Despite these facts, family involvement can still occur through prison walls. Agnello, et. al. claims that family communication in these cases also produces fewer psychotic episodes and feelings of depression (Lamb, et. al., 1988). Often, with mental disorders, families take on the role of caregiver or outsource these needs to local hospitals. Taking on the role of caregiver for a family member with chronic mental health issues can be extremely difficult, as discussed briefly above. However, as Veltman, et. al. proclaims, there are also many rewarding benefits to doing so. Having such a personal relationship with relatives dealing with mental illnesses not only benefits the affected person but also the caregiver. Having a positive attitude while caring for the individual produces proactive outlook for those affected. This is based on the fact that the individual with chronic mental illness can pick up these vibrations. Too often, healthcare workers say they are significantly burdened by having to interrupt their lives to take on these roles, very few respond positively to these changes. Although mental illness affects emotions and thinking skills, individuals can tell when their caregivers are being sincere or oppressed. This discourages those affected and inevitably makes them feel like they are a burden. The positivity and involvement in the lives of these family members communicates to them the idea that they are not a burden and that they are loved and supported, even when the going gets tough (Veltman et. al., 2002). Just as positivity can communicate love and support when dealing with family members who suffer from chronic mental disorders, negativity can communicate the opposite. Too often, family caregivers report that their work places a huge burden on their lives. They feel no pride or satisfaction when dealing with their loved ones. Burdens come in many forms, whether financial in nature, task-related, or requiring constant monitoring of these individuals (Ohaeri, 2003). However, those who claim that these individuals are a burden are essentially conveying the idea that they are stressed and unpleasant. As Miller-Day suggests, stigma comes in three forms of mental illness. These include self, structural, and public (Miller-Day, 2011). Stigma also hinders family disclosure. Both mental illness characteristics and family social characteristics have been shown to be directly related to the amount of family stigma received. According to Phelan, et. al. (1998): “Family members were more likely to hide mental illness if they did not live with the ill relative, if the relative was female, and if they had less severe positive symptoms. Family members with more education and whose relative had had an episode of illness in the last 6 months reported greater avoidance from others” (Phelan, et. al., p. 115, 1998). Disclosure is a significant aspect of family communication in mental illness, and by avoiding this discussion, the family cannot move forward. Although family involvement is significant in mental disorder outcomes, some situations make it very difficult to do so. Mental illness is generally a chronic disorder and time does not stand still.