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The Handbook:

Table of Contents

Introduction

Brain Disorders

Coping in Crisis

Medications

Resources for Care

Effects on the Family

Public Health Services

Financial Resources

Working with the System


Appendices:

NAMI Phone Numbers

DuPage Health Services

Chicago Area Hospitals

Community Resources

Legal Resources

Books, Videos, Journals

Hospitalization Form

Judicial Admission Form

Declaration of Treatment

Drug Reimbursement

Working with the System

Families need to know how to be effective in getting help for a seriously mentally ill relative. They need to know what questions to ask, what people to see and especially where to go for help when they feel overwhelmed and discouraged. 

Here are some suggestions:

1. Keep a record of everything.  List names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of crisis events, admission to hospitals, and dates of discharge. Make notes of conversations and conferences. Make copies of everything you mail. Keep all notices and letters.
2. Be polite and keep conversations to the point.  Do not allow yourself to be intimidated; do not try to intimidate the service providers. (Sometimes it helps to have a friend or someone with you.)
3. If your relative is age 18 or older, request his or her permission to review all documents.  Only if permission is granted in writing will you be able to do so. If your relative does not want to grant full permission, ask for written permission to receive certain specific information, such as diagnosis, prognosis, signs of relapse, medications prescribed, treatment and/or discharge plans.
4. Write letters of appreciation when warranted; write letters of criticism when necessary.  Send these to the hospital or agency director with copies to anyone else who may be involved. Also send copies to your legislator or other state official if you get no response. See Appendix E.
5. Do not accept a vague answer or a statement that seems confusing.  If a clinician says, "We are observing your daughter carefully," recognize that this statement provides you with no information!  If you are told that the medication may cause extrapyramidal side effects, ask for an explanation of what that means.
6. If you are not getting the responses you need, contact one of the agencies listed under "Complaints and Grievances." See Appendix E.
7. Keep your relative informed about everything you plan to do.   He appreciates being treated with respect and dignity. Besides, he might disapprove of your action or may wish to handle it differently.
8. Do not be afraid or ashamed to acknowledge that you are the relative of a mentally ill person.  This is the first step in removing the stigma often attached to mental illness.
9. Lobby your legislators for mental health services.
10. Finally, be assertive!  You are paying, either directly or through taxes. You are entitled to information, respect and courtesy. You are not asking for favors; you are simply helping to get the job done.

In this handbook, we have offered you some general information of what is known about brain disorders. We have explained services available to you and have offered suggestions about what you can do.

Mental illness is a difficult problem with no easy solutions; we hope the handbook is of some help to you.

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