Hey folks,

I'm a newbie on here, but I come with a very important question (or at least very important for me). For a Theory and Research paper I am currently studying towards, I am conducting a literature review and critical analysis of arguments - culminating in an essay and formulation of recommendations - into the experience had by student nurse of mental illness with a family member, and thus how they respond to mental health clinical placements. My formal question is as follows:

"Is there a relationship between student nurses' lived experience of a family member with mental illness and the responses had on, or how they respond to, mental health clinical placements"

I am a student nurse myself and am in this exact position, hence my drive to learn whether there are any trends related to this and what studies have been conducted. In addition, I would like to look into how this manifests itself on placement (i.e. becoming over-involved in patients' care, crying often/ getting easily flustered, etc); if there is a drive to get into mental health nursing as a profession in light of the lived experiences (or vice versa); and also whether this lived experience, placement experience, and consequential stress can lead to the development of mental illness in previously asymptomatic individuals. I am open to further suggestions of sub-topics.

I guess why I am here is to, A) get some stories from nurses themselves who may be in a similar situation; and B) ask if anyone has any great articles (preferably within the last 10 years) or literature they know of that is on this or similar topics... I am a wee bit stuck for information at present. Much appreciated wonderful nursing people!!

Kind regards

How brave of you to ask this question. Mental illness has an effect on family, no question. Will it affect how you practice? Who can say, it's never been researched. One thing is for certain, it gives you greater insight into the benefits of personal experience. Mental illness touxhed my family. My ex wife, also a RN, has a ""number". I have a number. We're all subject to a diagnosis. Your research sounds very exciting and it will take you down many dark hallways. Look into Whitehouse mental illness. Some of our greatest leaders suffered. Look at their deeds. What was their passion? It is a reflection of their n i experience. Keep me posted. If I can help out some way, let me know. Best wishes.

Many of my fellow psych nurses have a family member with mental illness. They relate better to The ​severely mentally ill, because of their Predisposition of having loving bonds. They bring insight and compassion to patient care. I have a long held belief that all of us in MH have someone they care or we ourselves have suffered from mental illness.