Loving those who are Struggling with Mental Illness

Mental illness can affect anyone, including those closest to us. When a diagnosis has been made for someone in our family or a close friend, you may feel a mixture of emotions; concern, compassion, disbelief, anger, grief and guilt. All of these emotions are normal and valid. It is important to remember you are not to blame for a loved one’s mental illness and that there are ways you can support them on their journey towards recovery. Loved ones can play a big part in helping people find treatment, work towards their goals, and stay well. Caring and emotional support go a long way in recovery and well-being. Here are some tips on how to support a loved one with a mental illness.

Knowledge is power: Educate yourself about the diagnosis

The first step in supporting a loved one with a mental illness is to educate yourself about the condition. Learn about the symptoms, treatments, and how it affects their daily life. Understanding what your loved one is going through can help you be more supportive and empathetic. You can attend doctors and intake appointments with them if they feel comfortable with someone attending. You can read books, articles, listen to podcasts and talk to other people who may have gone through something similar. In some cities, there are in-person support groups to attend to learn more about the diagnosis and ways to support. 

Here are a couple of resources to educate yourself on your loved one’s conditions. Remember, these are guidelines that contain general information. Always seek professional help if you are unsure or concerned about your loved one:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-101

Listen and validate their feelings

One of the most important things you can do is to listen to your loved one without judgment. Let them know that you are there to support them and that their feelings are valid. Avoid dismissing their feelings or telling them to "just snap out of it." Instead, validate their experiences and offer a listening ear. Make time to talk about your loved one’s experiences, perhaps over dinner or on a drive. Many families avoid talking about emotional issues because it’s just too uncomfortable. Lean into the discomfort. 

Be patient and understanding

Recovery from a mental illness can be a long and difficult journey. Be patient with your loved one and understand that progress may be slow at times. Some families make the mistake of “overloading” the person with resources and making too many therapy and doctors appointments. You want to avoid pressuring them to "get better" or placing unrealistic expectations on their recovery. Instead, offer your support and encouragement as they work towards their goals.

Take care of yourself

Supporting a loved one with a mental illness can be emotionally taxing. It's essential to take care of yourself too. Practice self-care, seek support from friends and family, and consider seeking therapy for yourself. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup, so taking care of your own mental health is crucial.

Encourage them to seek professional help

People with mental illness often feel they’ve lost control of their lives, they feel stigmatized and they can suffer from low self-esteem. Encourage your loved one that it is normal to seek professional help if they haven't already. Offer to help them find a therapist or psychiatrist and offer to accompany them to appointments. Remind your loved one that they’re in control of their bodies and are active participants in their treatment.

The professionals at Brookhaven Psychotherapy have the knowledge and tools to help your loved one manage their condition and work towards recovery.

Support their treatment plan

Once your loved one is receiving professional help, support their treatment plan. Encourage them to take their medication as prescribed, attend therapy sessions, and follow any other recommendations from their mental health provider. Let them know that you are proud of them for taking these steps towards recovery.

Supporting a loved one with a mental illness requires patience, empathy, and understanding. By educating yourself about their condition, listening to them without judgment, encouraging professional help, supporting their treatment plan, being patient, and taking care of yourself, you can make a great impact. Remember that recovery is a process, usually with several ups and downs, and with your support, your loved one can learn to manage their mental illness and live a fulfilling, meaningful life.

Learn more about Couple’s Therapy here