webadminIsolation and loneliness come in tow with mental health problems. People with mental illnesses tend to detach themselves from normal people, as they feel negative about their abilities and thoughts. Therefore, friends and family members of people with mental illnesses have a tough job in hands to look after them without making them feel low about themselves.
It is obvious for the caregivers to lose cool while dealing with people with mental health. Therefore, they need to know about the vulnerabilities and psyche of people suffering with these illnesses to be able to offer better support in order to not give patience while dealing with them.
Here are a few strategies that can help caregivers of people with mental health problems provide effective care to their loved ones:
An Effective Dialogue Is Important
Communicating with friends and family members struggling with such problems help the caregivers learn about their mental health issues, and offer support, and guidance. Furthermore, it is an effective way to recognize the early signs of mental health problems and introduce timely therapeutic interventions. Effective communication can help caregivers understand the patient and offer compassion.
Essentials of an effective dialogue
It is important to start an amicable conversation about mental health. However, the basics would remain that you actively listen to your friend or family member’s response. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) recommends some leading questions to engage the distressed family members in an effective conversation. Caregivers may initiate a dialogue with question, “I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?”
They can show their concern to the patients and ask them if they want to talk to somebody in particular. The family members and friends should take the affected people in confidence by assuring them that they want to listen to you. They can ask patients if they are comfortable sharing their feelings. Asking the people in misery if they have dealt with similar problems in the past can also help befriend them. People around mental health patients should encourage them to see solution for their problem. Individuals with mental health problems need to understand that these problems are treatable. Moreover, it is important to assess if they are nurturing ideas about harming others or themselves.
Things to consider before initiating with a dialogue
Caregivers should know how to connect people battling mental health problems. Choose a right time to discuss the topic. It is important the person feels safe and comfortable while striking a conversation about their illness. Watch for his or her reactions during the conversion. Tone down or back off if the person appears confused or upset.
People battling mental illnesses are vulnerable to the feelings of sadness, worry, irritability, anxiety and sleep problems. Like physical illnesses, these problems get worse, if left untreated for longer periods. Mental health patients require professional assistance including medicine and behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therefore, if your near ones are suffering mental ailments, encourage them instead of forcing to see an expert. Since, it may not be a simple task, make sure you have adequate information about mental problem problems and their effects.
If you or a loved one is facing any mental health problem and is looking for a reliable behavioral health center, get in touch with Mind Health Network. Call our 24/7 mental health helpline and speak with a representative to understand the options to achieve a better mental health.
