Helping Loved Ones

It can sometimes be frustrating when you want to help a loved one recover.  What often happens is that the person who is struggling has no idea about what might help or it may be too difficult to ask for the assistance.  Try some of the suggestions offered below in order to promote recovery in your loved one. Educate yourself about the diagnosis and treatment of the problem under treatment.  Obtain reading materials, attend community support groups or visit  some of the websites listed herein. Encourage and promote healthy behaviors such as proper diet, regular exercise and avoidance of alcohol and other chemicals. Pay attention to your loved one’s appointment and medication schedule; use gentle reminders in order to be supportive.   Sometimes, you may need to schedule appointments and accompany the individual to appointments. Listen and be patient with the recovery process.   Treatment helps, but improvement is gradual, not immediate. Acknowledge the biological and stressful contributions to the illness; avoid blame and other accusations such as self-pity or laziness. Discourage your loved one from making significant life decisions until after recovery. Pay attention to your own stress level.  Taking care of a patient with longstanding mental health problems can be draining.  In addition to following some of the earlier-offered advice, consider the need for professional help for yourself. Offer support and assistance.  Remember, just because your loved one may not ask for it does not mean that s/he does not need it.  Emotional support involves understanding, affection and encouragement.  Do not disparage sad or negative feelings, but point out realities and offer hope. Lastly, do not ignore discussions about suicide.  Such talk should always be taken seriously and merits immediate professional help.  Do not leave the suicidal person alone and prevent access to medication, weapons or other items that could be used to inflict harm.  If in doubt, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.