For many of us, the winter holidays are about family togetherness. Even amidst the stresses and challenges that too often pervade the season, there is a strong pull among families to bridge whatever distances exist—whether geographic or emotional—and be in each other’s thoughts if not their direct company.

Of course, families can be incredibly complicated, with numerous overlapping priorities competing for individuals’ limited attention. This is especially true in families affected by serious mental illness. The significant time and resources required to manage such conditions and the associated elements can be all-consuming.

For this reason, I often encourage parents and other family members coping with this challenge to use the holiday season as an opportunity to focus on the healthy children in their........

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