Intensive Family Support Services

When Mental Health Issues Make Living with Loved Ones Challenging

Families are the building blocks of a community. Rooted in love and caring, they provide nurturing and a sense of belonging. Sometimes, when a family member has a severe mental health diagnosis, life at home can become challenging to manage.

“For family members of loved ones with serious mental illnesses, the feelings of isolation and disconnectedness can greatly impact their well-being. That’s where the Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program comes in and can provide a community for family members,” said Director of Partial Care and Clinical Services Heather Alexander Mark. “Community is important for a myriad of reasons including helping to create a support system, stress reduction and creating a sense of belonging.”

Families enrolled in IFSS have a friendly ear available if they need to talk. They also have a network of peers who have experienced similar situations and operate in a judgment-free zone to call upon. The IFSS program provides various supports, including consultations, a support group that meets twice monthly, respite care opportunities, psycho-educational programming, advocacy and service referrals.

Recognizing the Importance of Self-Care

Program Coordinator Paisley Burgess and Family Support Counselor Bryana Martinez are dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of having a member with a behavioral health diagnosis. They also stress the importance of self-care and offer coping strategies. “We encourage them to practice self-care, try meditation or take time to do something they love,” said Paisley.

If a family member in the program needs to talk, Paisley is available by phone or in-person to listen and provide guidance. Literally and figuratively, she meets them where they are. I may go to their house, or we might connect to get a cup of coffee. When I meet with one woman in the program, I wear my sneakers around her neighborhood and talking. That’s her escape.”

Paisley’s deep empathy for the family members she serves began when she was working as a paraprofessional in a unique education program. Many of the students she worked with had behavioral health issues, and she saw their parents struggling. “I wanted to help the parents and do more for them. I started researching the different kinds of resources that were available and would share that information.”

When Paisley began her role with IFSS a little over a year ago, one of the first things she did was compile a huge resource binder. She collected all kinds of information to share. “I want the people we serve to be more informed about all that is out there.”

Providing Programs to Bring People Together

Before Thanksgiving and Christmas, when extended families gather, IFSS hosts Relax, Relate & Release days. Families in the program get together, enjoy light refreshments and share their stories. Paisley said the holidays can be extra stressful for individuals with mental health issues. “These sessions help take the pressure off,” said Paisley.

The IFSS program also holds a Summer Series. The five-part psycho-educational program features fun activities to help families understand how important it is for caregivers to care for themselves. This year, Paisley and Bryana’s plans for the series include Zumba classes, meditation sessions, a resource fair, painting classes and an Eating Well and Feeling Love Day with healthy smoothies and a massage therapist.

“Both Paisley and Bryana bring deeply committed hearts, knowledge and experience to the program. They provide valuable resource information and develop creative events for caregivers and families to participate in as well as bringing compassionate listening ears,” said Alexander Mark.

 
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One of the first things Paisley Burgess did when she joined the Intensive Family Support Services team was compile a big book of resources for family members.

For more information on Intensive Family Support Services or joining the support group, please call 609–571–5312 or click here.