It isn’t a question of whether your family will find itself dealing with mental health issues. The National Institute of Mental Health says that at any given time, more than one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. One in three adults between the ages of 18 and 25 is affected, and nearly half of adolescents contend with mental health issues.
No matter how much you may love your children (or they love you), supporting a loved one who is dealing with a mental illness can be challenging and emotionally exhausting. In addition to needed empathy and understanding to care for them, it’s critical to take care of your own mental health at the same time. These practical steps can help:
Educate yourself. Learning about the mental health condition your loved one is experiencing will help you provide more informed and compassionate support. The more you familiarize yourself with symptoms, treatments, and challenges, the better you’ll be able to respond to their needs.
Suggest help. We all want to help others, but supporting mental health challenges often requires expertise the average person doesn’t have. Encouraging your loved one to seek professional counseling – and offering to help them find the right counselor – is one of the most valuable things you can do.
Be empathetic. Even if you’ve never dealt with mental health challenges, you can be a source of support. Let your loved one express their feelings, and instead of judgment, offer understanding even if you don’t fully grasp their experience.
Set boundaries. With mental health, progress can be slow, and behaviors may be challenging. Set healthy boundaries to protect your own mental and emotional well-being. Clearly define what you are willing and able to provide in terms of support. Be compassionate but be realistic.
Encourage self-care. Help them maintain healthy routines, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Model healthy lifestyle habits and coping strategies to so your example will encourage them to do the same. (Prioritize your own well-being, too!)
Nurture connections. A common response to many mental health challenges is isolation. Your loved one may want to stay home at a time when interactions with other people are so important. Encourage them to stay connected with family and friends and participate in community activities. You can accompany them at first to help them grow their confidence.
Expect crises. As with physical illnesses, mental health issues rarely follow a predictable path to recovery. Even someone who seems to be on the right path can suddenly revert to old behaviors and problems (it’s especially common among family members who are trying to overcome addictions). Keep your eyes open for signs of a crisis and know what to do when it happens.
Rely upon resources. Look for support groups for families dealing with mental illness, so you can benefit from their support and perspective. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professional counselors for advice on managing family dynamics and coping with your own stress. Unless you’re a professional therapist, you probably don’t have the knowledge and expertise for helping your loved one as effectively as possible. Let the experts give you a hand. Could you use help right now? Please call us and we’ll set a time to talk.
