Getting help for your family

When a youth in a family engages in suicidal behavior, it can affect the entire family. Different family members may react in different ways: anger, depression, guilt, fear, denial, overprotectiveness.  This situation can be traumatizing for siblings, too. A family member may need their own therapist to provide support and to address their needs and concerns. And sometimes, the family as a whole needs help too.  

Individual and family therapy have many similar qualities, and each one can help.  Both are about helping people to address issues and concerns and to improve coping and communication.  Individual therapy focuses on the individual, providing that person a safe place to explore their concerns and to make changes that contribute to improved health and well-being.  Family therapy focuses on the family as a whole, and may include working together to understand how the family interacts and communicates with one another with the goal of improving the overall functioning of your family.  Family therapy can help family members to better understand one another and improve their ability to support one another. 

When a teen is struggling with mental health issues, it can be important to explore both individual and family therapy.  Your teen’s therapist can be your first point of contact to help you decide what your teen needs, what your family needs, and where to start. If you need additional support, contact your Care Support Manager Inga.