To successfully support a loved one and stay healthy, family members benefit from their own dedicated support and education plan. Often, accessing this kind of help is the best first step in helping a loved one and is the equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on first before helping someone else on a plane.
Here are some useful tips and resources to help families navigate a loved one’s mental health challenge.
No one should face a mental health challenge alone, even when the diagnosis isn’t theirs. Whether through paid therapy, family counseling, or a community support group, talking about your experiences can give you the support you need, help you understand what a loved one is going through, and teach you how to set boundaries.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A SUPPORT GROUP:
Formal and informal support should offer open-minded and confidential support. Leaning on other family members and friends can sometimes create tricky situations. A neutral setting can help family members to open up more about their experiences.
Like many kinds of treatment, the benefits will increase over time. Give therapy or a support group enough time to help before stopping.
While sticking with the plan is important, it’s also important to find the right kind of support. If a particular group or therapy isn’t a good working for you, it’s time to move on. It’s okay to “shop around” for the right experience.