Caring for a loved one with a mental health problem is both challenging and rewarding. However, it is not uncommon for worry and stress to build up in the caregiver. Below explains four ways to help you better care for a loved one with a mental health disorder.
Get Informed
The first step in helping a loved one with a mental health condition is to fully understand their disorder. There are many resources available for this, such as local libraries, bookstores and even mental health associations. Consider reading books written by well-established experts. While the internet is loaded with different sources of information, consider joining an online support group or a contacting …show more content…
Be sure to respectfully, yet firmly engage them in conversation through constructive, non-judgmental dialogues. If possible, enlist the support of family and friends. Even better, have a friend or family member, who the loved one with the metal health condition respects, join in the conversation. Keep in mind that suddenly confronting a loved one with alarming accusations or uniformed opinions will not help. Instead, talk about your loved ones' feelings and what you can do to help. Be sure to educate yourself on the illness and enlist the help of professionals.
Use Mental Health Experts
The fields of psychology and psychiatry are well-established and well-organized. If covered by your insurance, consider regularly meeting with mental health professional to assist with understanding and managing the mental health disorder. They will be able to better direct you to local support groups and industry recognized educational materials. In fact, serious mental health disorders require the professional support and guidance of a mental health expert. For example, a loved one with schizophrenia must have the support of a qualified psychiatrist.
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