Help Your Loved One Cope with Mental Illness
Watching a loved one cope with mental illness can be heartbreaking. It can feel like it’s completely out of your or your loved one’s control. You may not know what to do or say to help when symptoms surface.
It’s important to remember that every individual is different but there are some tips that could help you to navigate this path. Take a look below.
Recognize The Symptoms
Since there are many different types of mental health disorders and symptoms vary across the board, pinning down exact symptoms for each individual is tough. You may notice signs like withdrawal from social situations or gatherings. Another common sign is a change to sleeping patterns.
Your loved one may find it more difficult to get through a day at work or school and their mood could be low. These symptoms all suggest that your loved one needs help to cope.
Don’t Be Afraid To Talk
Talking to your loved one about what you see can feel daunting. The last thing you want is for your loved one to shut you out completely so you may stray away from the topic in fear. The language you use while talking to your loved one will make a huge difference.
For instance, just sitting with them and letting them know you are there for them is a great first step. When you’re ready, you can broach the subject further by explaining what you’ve noticed and offering to help.
Talking To A Professional
To really help your loved one, it’s important to understand as much as you can about mental health. When you haven’t got the knowledge you need to help, seeking out a professional will benefit you both. There’s a range of help available, from general counselors to mental health counselors and even addiction counseling.
Mental health and addiction tend to go hand in hand so it’s not uncommon for addicts to have mental health problems. Counselors can help individuals with many different issues but they can also offer group sessions where people can rebuild their relationships.
Get Your Own Support
Supporting someone else through their mental health struggles is admirable but it can also take its toll. It’s vital that you seek the support you need as you help your loved one through this time. There are many ways you can get the support that you need for women’s health.
Talk to your doctor about your situation and ask for a referral to a counselor who you can talk to when you need to. There are also many community groups online and in the real world that organize regular meetups. It’s good to be in company that understands your situation and can offer valuable insight.
Play The Long Game
Mental illness isn’t something you can cure. It often comes in waves and once someone has been affected, it’s likely they’ll be affected again at some point in the future. Be mindful that this is a marathon, not a sprint.
