How to behave, if a loved one mental disorder
Health / / December 19, 2019
Mental Health, by definition, The American Psychiatric Association - it is a state of mind in which a person effectively solves the daily tasks, is able to build healthy relationships, adapting to change and cope with stress.
Opposite state said that, most likely, a person mental disorder. It usually manifests itself as a change in thinking, the distortion of perception and reality itself. There are behavioral problems, there is no feeling of well-being.
according to estimatesMental health statistics: UK and worldwide. Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 people worldwide weekly encounters with the mental disorder. The World Health Organization saysMental disorders. Key facts. that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, 60 - from bipolar disorder, 21 - from schizophrenia.
The scale of the problem is not difficult to imagine. It is more difficult to draw parallels with his own life, in which the loved one can fight with bipolar, depression, anxiety, borderline, or other disorders. It is important to remember how to behave in order to become a reliable support.
What not to do
discount
And so many experienced neglect and lack of recognition of emotional reactions in childhood. It is not necessary to continue to devalue the unique expertise and experience. A perception that someone is worse - a dubious way to feel better.
What not to say:
- I also have bad days.
- Do you even have a job.
- You got yourself a cheat.
To give advice
Unsolicited advice does not like anyone, but a person with mental disorder - twice. Direct advice do not give even a competent therapists, and elementary actions like distracted, have fun, forget not work. It helps only systematic therapy, which takes a lot of time and effort.
If you are sure that the board is really valuable, first, I make sure that it is willing to listen to the interlocutor.
What not to say:
- You need a change of scenery.
- Go to yoga / the bar / in a beauty salon.
- Pull yourself together!
To scold
People with mental health problems and so constantly criticize themselves, so as not to aggravate the guilt. Positive reinforcement works much more efficiently. Sincerely praise for the little things. Sometimes a trifle as output to outside, can be a serious achievement.
What not to say:
- You live wrong!
- I hurt for you!
- You're wasting your time, nothing has changed!
wait for the initiative
Do not wait until close to ask for help. He can not do it because he is afraid to be imposed, permanently waiting for failure, trying to cope alone, does not feel the strength to pick up the phone. Call or write for yourself. Most likely, this is very welcome.
leave
When a close trusted you and waiting for support, assess their strength. If enough of them and you have decided to be there, do not throw everything in the middle. Do not be afraid to say that you have a hard and need to be alone. People with mental disorders usually empathetic and understand. It is better to take a breather to recover than merge. Lose the support - hurt.
What do we have to do
explore the theme
Speak the same language. Study literature, asked softly. So you begin to understand the motives of actions, behavior no longer seem so strange, and you do not say hurtful words "not justified diagnosis" or "It's just a sad autumn, rather than depression." Possession of common knowledge brings.
Participate
Sometimes the person himself can not know what he could to help, especially in a crisis situation. Therefore, offer concrete assistance, such offer to go to a movie or tell a funny story.
You can together make a list of activities and actions that facilitate state. They you can take advantage of if close will be very bad, and not to talk.
Help to find a specialist
Support - a powerful force, but do not neglect the help of a specialist. Psychotherapist also a doctor. To it is necessary to address in the case of mental disorders. If a close does not know how to find a specialist, or afraid - help. Call the clinic, examine the reviews on the web, tell us how you study.
Cheer
Say many kind words. Self-criticism can destroy even the most obvious victory. The more you aktsentiruete attention to the good and praise for success, the more self-confidence and the desire to work on yourself.
Take care of yourself
Directly related to care for loved ones with a mental disorder is not. But for healthy support needed strength and energy, and dive into the pain of others can be a trigger for the emergence of their own. Therefore, take care of yourself, watch your condition and do not be afraid to ask for help.
If your loved one mental disorder, know that your support - a great value. Fight not alone - it means to win at least twice as fast.
See also:
- How to recognize hidden depression in your family →
- 20 small steps that can help to promote mental health →
- 12 anxiety disorder symptoms →