Parents and Caregivers

In This Site

Caregivers and Parents Need Light Also

Are you the parent or caregiver of someone diagnosed with a mental illness and find yourself in need of support? If so, we want to extend a warm welcome to you. Find the Light Online Support Group, designed and launched in 2003 by Founder, Tristine Barry, MS, CTT+, is designed to offer peer-to-peer support for various mental health issues, most particular mood disorders such as bipolar and depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. As of late, it has come to our attention that there are millions of individuals like you that could use their own support, as being a caregiver brings on its own personal challenges.

When daily struggles are weighing down on you as a parent or caregiver we encourage you to reach out for support within our members’ only group that consists of private and moderated forums. There are others that are suffering, adults, from anxiety, mood disorders, and/or substance abuse. If you don't mind mingling and learning, they don't mind either.

NEW!! LShalott's Spot for Caregivers Tips (Blog)

LShalott is the Senior Director for Find the Light Online Support Group but is also a parent with children that suffer from mental illness. She has a wealth of information to share with you in hopes of helping you to make life a little more manageable and enjoyable. It was her idea to add this Caregiver page. She has created a new blog on Blogger that you can view and subscribe to if you so choose. She can also be reached by email.

Each Day A Challenge

As a caregiver or parent, we face many difficulties in the day to day world when raising, loving, and living with someone with mental illness. Caring for them, making time for you, doctors appointments, medication compliance, behavioral issues-just to name a few-can make the day feel daunting. Many times we may get lost in the day to day race to keep up. Because of this, depression, anxiety and increased stress levels are quite common for the caregiver. With support and encouragement from other members you can begin to feel understood, realize you are not alone, and find a boost with the peer-to-peer support that typically wouldn’t be available. There is nothing more valuable to us than being able to come together with others that understand our plights as caregivers. Many FTL members have been helped tremendously over the years by simply coming and logging in.

If you are a caregiver or parent in need of relief by talking with others, please, come join your peers in our online support group. Feel free also to look through the accompanying pages if you are in need of education and information on these childhood disorders. It is our mission to not only offer this peer support but arm you with as much educational ammunition possible so you can do the best you can in helping your child and yourself. You are your loved one's best advocate! Come Find the Light with us.

As a caregiver of one with mental illness, support from others can truly make a difference in your life. If you want to give the group a try click here to read the agreement (sorry about the length-always necessary though) and sign up. All you need is a valid email, a username and password. The beauty of the group is you can use any name you want. Some reveal their names in usernames but most don't. It is your choice. There is a screening process and a low monthly fee involved. However, there is a no-obligation free 30 day trial offered. If you don’t want to return you simply don’t have to. If you find you do like it then you will be asked for payment information after 30 days.

Last update March, 11 2010

National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Referrals: (800) 662-HELP (4357) (English and Español)
(800) 487-4889 (TDD)

Are you contemplating SUICIDE? If so, please call 1-800-784-2433 in the US. Click here to download a free e-book on suicide. If you are a teen, please call 1-877-YOUTHLINE (968-8454)

National Institute of Mental Health's Anxiety Hotline-
1-888-826-9438
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Articles available on LShalott's Spot:

Caregivers-Stress and Anxiety

Worry Free Ten Minute Break

Mental Health Article-Visualization for Relaxation

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