The people closest to you bear the brunt of the trauma, but we chronically undervalue the support of those on the periphery
Leading up to a severe mental health crisis, and at its apex, a patient hopefully becomes cocooned in intensive support: from a spouse, immediate family, perhaps close friends and a core team of medical professionals.
Those closest bear the brunt of the trauma. They’re usually the ones hiding the knives in the family home, ensuring a medication regime is adhered to, trying to minimise substance abuse and calling the police if things get out of hand.
