Rethinking siblings and mental illness

Siblings of people with mental illness can have a positive effect on their brother's or sister's recovery and reintegration into social environments, through providing emotional and practical support and opportunities for socialisation. However, the experience of having a brother or sister with mental illness can have negative consequences on a sibling's quality of life and mental health. Unfortunately, siblings of people with mental illness remain largely invisible to statutory services. The Siblings Network has sought to address the needs of siblings and raise awareness.