Family Support Tips & Resources
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.
SUPPORT
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:
Support Tips
1. IMPARTIAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
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.
2. STICK WITH IT
Like many kinds of treatment, the benefits will increase over time. Give therapy or a support group enough time to help before stopping.
3. BUT DON’T GET STUCK
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.