A mental disorder is an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful, and productive life.

One way that family members can react to mental disorders in the family is to become very depressed and act negatively.

This is called a dysfunctional family.

People in a dysfunctional family may try to change the family member with the disorder because they feel responsible.

Another reaction is to act healthfully by not letting the illness take over their lives.

Family members that respond in a healthful way are still sensitive to the disorder in the family.

Mental Disorders In The Family