When someone close to us, a family member or friend, is struggling with a mental illness, providing care and understanding can be a stressful yet rewarding experience. Despite feeling unsure about how we can best help, it’s important to remember that our genuine love and support is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer. Read on to discover more on how to support those we love who may be dealing with mental illness, and to assure them that they are not alone.
1. Shining Light on Mental Illness
It’s no secret that mental illness has become an increasingly pressing issue over the last few years. We are finally shining light on something that has been ignored, neglected and misunderstood for so long. It’s time to talk openly and honestly about this all too common reality.
Between the spectrum of mental illness, anxiety, depression, and the countless other ailments that plague people, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Mental health is complex, and learning to understand it better can help us shine a brighter light on what so many individuals struggle with.
Raising Awareness
Spreading awareness is paramount in making people feel less alone and more comfortable in discussing their mental health. It’s important to be mindful of the language we use and the overall tone of conversations around mental illness – especially when it comes to children. Creating an open atmosphere so that people feel safe regardless of their situation can provide immense relief.
Creating a Network of Support
- Find a doctor you trust
- Realize that therapy is important
- Avoid judgement when supporting someone close
- Talk openly about your problems
- Listen to what people have to say
Creating a strong support network is an essential part of living a healthier lifestyle. When mental illness affects someone’s normal life, it can be hard to manage. A network of friends, family, and professionals are key in providing much-needed assistance. It’s sometimes as simple as being a listening ear or knowing your options.
Showing Compassion
Showing compassion and understanding towards those with mental illness are two of the best things you can do to help. When one person reaches out, it can make a great difference. Taking the time to really understand what someone is going through can bring greater peace in the long-term.
2. Understanding Mental Health Struggles
Mental health struggles are very common, but they can vary greatly from person to person. We all have different issues to deal with, and those issues can have varying levels of severity. It is important to understand what a person is going through in order to be able to help them.
There are many different mental health struggles, some ranging from mild to severe. Examples include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many more. Understanding the different struggles is a key component of helping someone.
Anxiety is often linked to worrying about the future or an issue that hasn’t even happened yet. It is characterized as an excessive fear or worry. Depression is the opposite; the person has stopped caring about things. They feel a deep sadness or a constant feeling of worthlessness.
Another form is bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder alternate between feeling extreme highs and lows. They often experience drastic and sudden mood swings. PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing a traumatic event. People with PTSD may have flashbacks, nightmares, and an intense fear of something happening again.
Finally, mental health struggles can be classified as mild to severe. Mild mental health struggles may only prevent a person from performing certain activities. Severe mental health struggles can interfere with day-to-day life. It is important to pay attention to warning signs and differentiate between mild and severe issues.
- Understanding different mental health struggles is important.
- Examples of mental health struggles include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
- Mental health struggles can range from mild to severe.
- It is important to differentiate between mild and severe issues.
3. Caring for Loved Ones with Mental Illness
Caring for a loved one with mental illness can be an emotionally and physically taxing task. While it’s important to show support and provide compassionate care, it’s just as important to ensure one’s own needs are met in the process. Here are a few tips on how to best care for a loved one with mental illness.
1. Educate Yourself
Take the time to thoroughly research and understand your loved one’s mental illness. Seek advice from mental health professionals, and if possible, consult with a doctor or psychiatrist regarding suitable treatment and medications. Learning about mental illnesses and their appropriate supports will put you at ease in providing care.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s important to remember to look after yourself while caring for a loved one. Set boundaries and be sure to take time for your own self-care and needs. This could involve trying new hobbies, connecting with supportive family and friends, pampering yourself or engaging in mindfulness activities.
3. Nurture the Connection
Mental illness can place a great amount of strain on a relationship, but it’s still possible to maintain a meaningful connection with your loved one. Create an atmosphere of safety and comfort by engaging in meaningful conversation, discussing positive experiences, and finding shared interests to enjoy together.
4. Be Supportive
Offer unconditional support to your loved one by listening patiently, validating their feelings, and creating a safe environment. Respect and understand that it’s a difficult time for them while providing emotional reassurance.
5. Ask for Help
Caregivers often put too much pressure on themselves to be the sole source of care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek resources from outside sources. Find local support groups for caregivers, professional counselling, or phone- or online-based support such as call-in numbers, online forums and apps.
Caring for a loved one living with mental illness can be a long and challenging process. Though it can feel difficult, you are not alone! Utilising the above tips can provide you and your loved one with support and understanding to help in creating a happier, healthier life together.
4. Crafting Compassion and Support
It can be hard to know how to react to a loved one who is going through a tough time. Showing compassion means putting oneself in another’s shoes and truly understanding their struggles and feelings. Showing support is providing aid and forming a strong bond to help the individual to pull through. is an invaluable skill.
One of the best ways to nurture compassionate and supportive relationships is to open yourself up. Be willing to share your own story, regardless of how challenging or hurtful it may be. This will show your loved one that they are not alone and that you understand them. Understand that it may take time to build a relationship of trust and support. Be patient and show them that you genuinely care.
It’s also important to show empathy towards the person’s struggles. Offer gentle and positive words of encouragement. Listen closely and be cooperative when they need to be heard. Avoid judging the struggles they may be going through. Show that you accept them with whatever decision they choose and that you will be there to support them no matter what happens.
In difficult times, it’s important to focus on how the individual can grow from their experience. Offer your own perspective on how to move forward positively. Provide resources they can use to continue to progress and heal in a meaningful way. Supportive things such as books, art supplies, meaningful activities, and anything else the individual finds helpful may be utilized.
Provide physical and emotional security with your words and actions. Provide a safe place for the individual to express their feelings and to know their fears and frustrations won’t be taken lightly. Reassure them they are in a safe and accepting environment where they can unload their burdens.
- Open yourself up – show your loved one they are not alone and you understand them.
- Offer empathy and gentle words of encouragement.
- Focus on how the individual can grow from their experience.
- Provide resources to help them continue to progress.
- Provide physical and emotional security.
If providing care and understanding to a loved one with mental illness can feel intimidating, remember that your support, big or small, makes an impact. Show compassion and remind them that you are still there for them, even when times are tough. With these tips in mind, you can be a source of strength for those who are struggling and help them through the difficult moments.
