Question

2. Sam and Joan have been married for 25 years and have three children: Max, who is 23; Janet, who is 19; and Sarah, who is 15. Janet has just been diagnosed with a mental illness.

a. Describe the objective and subjective burdens each family member may experience.

b. Describe the meaning this diagnosis may have to Janet’s parents, younger sibling, and older sibling.

Answer 1

A.      Subjective Data could include the possible: Not having efficient skills to assist her with her changing behaviour, her personal care like with her activities of daily living (Brushing her teeth, bathing, grooming, toileting etc..), or in providing her medications, or either having enough financial resource to handle her and fear of hospitalization.

Objective Data may include feelings of worry, embarrassment, anxious, tired, frustrated, isolated and greater work loaded.

B.      As parents, a child irrespective of anyone will shatter their lives. Fear about how to deal with their daughter and how did it happen to our daughter can cause a major stress. They may find it difficult to deal with it. They will be worried for their other two children as to how they will be coping with the fall of events. And may also be worried about their attention being away from their other two children. They will try the best possible help they can for their daughter.

The Younger and Older sibling may be confused and scared of seeing a change in their sister’s behavior and may feel that they too may develop mental illness. They may experience social stigma, feeling of shame and may isolate themselves from their peers. They could also feel jealous that Janet is getting most of the attention too. May also express their feelings of fear especially when hospitalized.