How You Can Help a Loved One Diagnosed with a Mental Health Condition:
- Collins Emerhi
- Sep 14, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2018
Misinformation and stigma surrounding mental health can feel overwhelming for someone struggling with a mental health ailment. Here a few powerful things you can do to support a loved one:
• Treat them equally. These individuals have the same rights as everyone else. • Educate yourself about the illness. • Show respect, understanding, and acceptance. • Support them throughout their treatment process and work with their specialized treatment team. • Be calm and convey hope.
Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Just like your physical health, you also have to take good care of your mental health. Here are a number of ways that you can improve the health of your mind alongside the health of your entire body.
• Eat the right foods, those that contain plenty of nutrients.
• Learn how to relax your mind and eliminate stress.
• Do something that you love.
• Have constant communication with your loved ones.
• Get plenty of sleep every single day.
Don't forget to share these simple and doable ways to others.
Why Mental Health Awareness Is Important
Mental illnesses affect people of all backgrounds and ages. These individuals may be in our family, in school, in work, or in the neighborhood. However, only a fraction of those suffering seeks out the appropriate treatment because of the stigma attached to mental health. If left untreated, mental disorders can contribute to further medical complications.
When the community is aware of mental health, it promotes identification, understanding, and early treatment for these individuals. Early identification and intervention can help our loved ones receive appropriate care and recover faster.
Encourage a Loved One to Seek Professional Help
Social withdrawal, memory problems, substance abuse, disconnection from reality, and extreme mood changes are a few of the most common symptoms of a mental disorder.
If you’re concerned a family member or friend is showing these signs, try to stay calm and understand their situation. Other stress-related effects can often be mistaken for signs of a mental condition.
However, if their condition is persisting, debilitating, or preventing them from performing normal tasks, express your concerns peacefully to them. Explain that you noticed their struggle in the calmest language possible and encourage them to talk to a trusted healthcare provider.
The Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is often characterized by the presence of suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviors or harm. Some of these behaviors include:
• Talking or writing about suicide
• Showing drastic mood changes
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Not talking to friends or family
• Hurting or trying to hurt one's self
When you notice these behaviors, it is important to seek help for the person immediately. Call the crisis hotline in case of an emergency.
Monotony Can Affect Mental Health
While you have a daily routine to follow, breaking the monotony is also important in achieving good mental health. Try to plan a getaway during the weekends or try another activity after work. Just by being excited on such outing or activity can already help improve your mood.
The Role of the Family in Rehabilitation and Recovery
One of the most significant factors in a patient’s recovery after an illness, injury, or disability is the support and involvement of family members. When a patient’s family is the primary caregiver, their care and presence are vital to the recovery.
Social support from friends and family can also influence a patient’s overall well-being and health. Positive reinforcement from family members can inspire a patients’ commitment to recovery. It also encourages them to achieve their physical goals during rehabilitation.
Comments