Both the person suffering from mental illness and their loved ones may encounter difficult and stressful circumstances as a result. Though it might be challenging, there are numerous ways you can support someone who is struggling with a mental illness. Here, we’ll talk about some practical advice and methods for helping a loved one who is dealing with mental illness.(managing anxiety)
Educate Yourself About Mental Illness.
Finding out more about a loved one’s sickness is one of the most crucial things you can do to support them. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and therapies of the particular mental disorder they are living with. This might assist you in comprehending what your loved one is going through and determining the best way to support them.
Offer Practical Support
Supporting a loved one who has a mental condition can also be done by providing practical assistance. This can be doing chores around the house, running errands, or cooking meals.
Offering to spend time with them doing something they like, like watching a movie or taking a stroll, is another option. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be lessened by spending time with others.https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/helping-a-loved-one-cope-with-mental-illness
Be a Good Listener.
Being a good listener is one of the most crucial things you can do to support a loved one who is struggling with a mental illness. Let them know you are there for them as you listen to them without passing judgment. Find out their feelings and what they require from you.
Validating their thoughts and feelings is also essential. Tell them that you realize how difficult it may be to deal with mental illness and that you respect their right to feel the way they do.
Take Care of Yourself.
It can be challenging emotionally and mentally to support a loved one who has a mental condition. It’s crucial to look for oneself as well. A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and self-care activities like exercise or meditation should all be priorities.
Setting limits and taking pauses as needed are also essential. If you need assistance, don’t be hesitant to ask your friends or other family members for it.
Encourage Them to Seek Help.
One crucial aspect of supporting a loved one is to encourage them to get treatment for their mental illness. Help them contact a mental health professional and assure them that asking for assistance is not shameful.
You might also offer to accompany them to their appointments or offer to drive them there if necessary. Try to be patient and kind in your approach if they are reluctant to ask for assistance. Tell them you love them and want to see them get the support they require.https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/how-support-someone-mental-health-problem
Seek Support for Yourself
Finally, if you are having a hard time helping a loved one with a mental illness, it’s crucial to get support for yourself. This can entail going to counseling or treatment, joining a support group for loved ones of those with mental illnesses, or speaking to a dependable friend or relative.
It can take time and effort to find the approaches that are most effective for both you and your loved one, so keep in mind that assisting a loved one with a mental illness is a journey. However, you may support your loved one in managing their mental illness and leading a full life if you have patience, compassion, and a willingness to ask for help:https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/NAMI-FaithNet/Tips-For-How-to-Help-a-Person-with-Mental-Illness