What skills or strategies will help me deal with a family member or friend with a mental illness?
- Show compassion. Being diagnosed with a mental illness can be scary and confusing. Some people are relieved by a diagnosis and actively seek treatment; others may be devastated, ashamed or in denial.
- Encourage your loved one to learn about treatments and services. Remind them that finding the right treatment or services takes time and involves some trial and error.
- Practice “active listening.” Listen and then express your understanding back. Acknowledge his/her feelings. Don’t discount them, even if you believe them to be symptoms of the illness.
- Understand medication challenges. Side effects often make people want to stop taking their medicine. Urge them to take their meds and talk to the doctor about making adjustments.
- Know that recovery isn’t just about staying on medication. Self-esteem, social support and contributing to society are essential elements of recovery.
- Learn to cope with unusual behavior. People with mental illnesses are sometimes disruptive or behave in an embarrassing way. If this happens, tell a responsible party, like a parent or doctor. This information can lead to more effective treatment.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 4:51 am and is filed under Family, Mental Health, Wisdom.
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