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.
Basic information on knowing when and how to get help.
Free local support groups and classes covering a variety of topics.
Options for affordable counseling in Central Texas. Use the drop-down menu.
Family members who take time to learn about mental health challenges will have more understanding about what their loved one is going through and will be more able to take care of their own mental health.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO GET STARTED:
Google is a wealth of information, but what you find can be overwhelming, exaggerated, or just plain wrong. Be sure to use trusted sources for information.
Some parts of mental health and treatment options are confusing. Use your community resources to better understand the mental health system.
As family members learn more about mental health challenges, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is different.
Low-cost workshops about communication, youth and teen mental health, social development and more.
Detailed guide to common mental health diagnoses, treatments options, and support.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is for anyone who works with youth and young adults ages 12-18 and 18-25 who may be in the early stages of a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis. MHFA can save a life, just like CPR can save someone who is having a heart attack.
Guide unpaid friends, family, and neighbors who care for someone with a mental health condition.
No one wants to see a loved one go through a mental health crisis, but knowing what to do and where to get help can reduce stress and be lifesaving.
HERE ARE A FEW QUICK TIPS FOR CRISIS PLANNING:
It’s never too late to write down the details, even for family members in the midst of a crisis. The plan can be as simple as a document listing basic details such as contact information, medications, and treatment preferences.
Put important numbers, such as your local crisis helpline, into a phone can save time later. The crisis plan document should be easily accessible on a cell phone or at home.
Everyone who might need to help needs to know the details of the crisis plan.
Integral Care is here for you – anytime, day or night. Our Helpline will listen and support you without judgement. If you or someone you know needs help, please call us 24/7 at 512-472-HELP (4357).
Printable flyer with questions to consider and actionable steps to create a crisis plan.
Crisis services in Travis County through Integral Care.
NAMI Central Texas Crisis Resource Guide, including resources across Central Texas.