Chronic Mental Illness

Some persons have serious mental illness that is present on an ongoing basis, in which the realistic goal is to manage rather than cure the illness. For example, persons with the illness of schizophrenia, a disorder that leaves the person with disorganized thinking and difficulty keeping a focus on reality, may have to receive treatment services throughout their lifetime.

The person with chronic mental illness deals with loss resulting from the illness, as do family and friends. Sometimes families come to a psychologist to learn how to support their family member, to develop healthy ways to manage their frustrations, voice fears, and identify positive goals for working as a family through stressful times.