Family support plays a critical role in the recovery of a loved one with a mental health condition. When a loved one is dealing with a mental health condition, family support is essential for their recovery. NAMI provides effective ways to assist your loved one.
Begin by learning about mental health and the specific disorder affecting your family member. The knowledge you gain will enhance your understanding and perspective. Familiarizing yourself with available treatments, therapies, and medications will also be advantageous for everyone involved in the recovery journey.
Urge your loved one to stick to their treatment plan. Offer gentle and comforting support. Discuss their preferences and establish a simple system to ensure that their treatment continues as intended.
Encourage collaboration among family members. The responsibility of caregiving should not rest on one individual alone. Motivate all family members to equally share duties and include the family member with the illness by defining their role within the family.
Engage in active listening. Paying close attention is a powerful way to demonstrate support. Focus on their words instead of their emotions, and recognize their pain, anxiety, or confusion.
Express your support verbally. Voicing your encouragement can reduce stress. Simple phrases like, “I’m sorry you feel this way, and I want to help,” or “It’s not your fault; it’s an illness that can affect anyone,” can make a significant difference.
Return to your usual activities and routines. Don't let your life center around your loved one's disorder. Reintroduce routines and enjoy quality time together doing things not related to their illness, like watching a movie, dining out, or visiting a favorite place. Strive to live life with the mental health condition instead of fighting against it.
Seek external support. It’s essential for family members and caregivers to establish their own support systems. Engaging in regular conversations with those who understand your situation can aid in stress management. Consider joining peer-led support groups for individuals living with mental illnesses and their families.
Ensure safety is your foremost concern. If there's a risk for violence, prioritize safety above all else. Set clear boundaries concerning physical or verbal abuse. For instance, clearly state that you will leave and alert the authorities if a family member turns physically violent. Planning these steps ahead of time can make them easier to handle.
Develop a crisis plan. Have essential phone numbers, like those for local crisis intervention teams, easily accessible. Make sure all family members understand what to do in an emergency.
If your loved one needs residential care, the Center for Living and Learning is a private non-profit Residential Treatment Facility for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. We offer 24-hour residential care and job training in a therapeutic setting, focusing on maximizing functioning and independent living. Discover more about the Center at centerforlivingandlearning.com. For inquiries, contact Fran Clippard, Executive Director, via email at fclippardclln@gmail.com or call 615-269-9932.
Above all, maintain hope. People with mental health conditions need social support. Remind them that you are there to help and that you will not give up on them. If setbacks arise, explore different approaches and motivate your loved ones to keep going.
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