A spouse may have concerns about the long term impact on the marriage and on the children. Family members may have concerns about finances being depleted over a lifetime, as insurance rarely covers many of the expenses associated with mental illness. Children may be embarrassed, frightened, and confused by a parent's mental illness. Concerns about daily living, concerns about the future and distress about the past strike each family member in different ways. Guilt, anger, fear, confusion and exhaustion are emotions associated with living with such illnesses.
Every person displays such feelings in unique and differing ways.
What is important to remember is that either separately or in a group, each family member who wishes to share their concerns and spiritual distress should be able to do so. Only when the pain is heard can the healing begin. The instruments of ministry such as prayer, scripture and ritual can be helpful. Responding too quickly or superficially may be perceived as an unwillingness to hear pain. To reach out successfully to families can require an extended time commitment.