Welcome to our Siblings Network

Whether your sibling has only recently been diagnosed with a mental illness, or your family has been living with mental illness for some time, you are likely to have many different questions and concerns.

The siblings network provides information and advice for young siblings, adult siblings, parents and professionals about coping with mental illness and a space for siblings to meet and share experiences, both online and in groups and workshops. 

When you first realise your brother or sister is having mental health problems, it can come as a huge shock. They may have been given a diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or clinical depression, or they may not yet have been given a diagnosis.

Finding out more about mental illness, how it can affect you and how other siblings have coped can really help and it is important to remember that you are not alone.

You may experience a variety of emotions when your sibling becomes ill, and these may change as you get older.

• You may feel scared, full of questions, worried about how your relationship with your sibling will change and unsure about how to support your brother or sister when they are unwell    
• You may be unsure of where you can go for support
• You may also be worried about your parents and how they are coping, and feel that there are questions you do not feel comfortable asking them   
  
• Many siblings feel a sense of loss when their brother or sister is experiencing a mental illness
  
• You might have confusing feelings of anger or guilt around why this has happened to your sibling   
• As you and your parents grow older, you may be concerned about who will care for you brother or sister, or you may take on the role of carer yourself   
  
• You may be concerned about genetics and mental illness and worry that you or your children might develop mental illness in the future

You might also find that your experience of mental illness in your family brings some positive outcomes:   

• The empathy and understanding you may develop while your sibling is ill could teach you some valuable life skills which you could bring to your other relationships and even your career   
  
• You may feel a sense of achievement in helping your sibling and your family   
  
• You could develop a healthier outlook and awareness regarding your own mental health   
  
• Perhaps you will develop skills in campaigning or activism for mental health
• Your family may reach a new level of understanding after going through the difficulties that families can face when someone has a mental illness