my family - and I - benefited from a family sit-down with my psychiatric team at the hospital.My daughter wasn't available as she's across the country. But, my psychiatrist has encouraged me to bring her to a session if she is ever in town and available.

As a contact person for my Mood Disorder Support Group I field calls from upset or enquiring family members looking for information, or to have their own fears soothed. We encourage people new to the group to bring a support person to a meeting with them. From the feedback we get, it is generally quite helpful.

Yes, on occasion we get a beligerent flippant individual reluctant to attend. A bit of a downer to us all but the usual thing is that they settle down during the course of the evening and often even begin to ask questions in earnest.

The hospital and Health Region have a weekly information session for friends and family members regarding mood disorders. We are fortunate enough that they can arrange an in-home consultation.

Perhaps such resources exist in your own community

Another wealth of help and information would be your local Mental Health Association. They can help you with having 'that' talk with your family and possibly even have a member present with you when you do so.