Mental illness is more common now, but it’s still hard when someone you care about struggles with it. You may feel a bit of all emotions like worry, frustration, or helplessness by seeing them in pain. Plus, you might not know what you should say to your loved ones to show support. But showing them you understand can help their recovery, even when it’s difficult. Also, you are in luck if you are a resident of Philadelphia as there are personal care services Philadelphia people take help from for better support.
Tips to help your loved ones with behavioral support
1. Take detailed knowledge of the illness.
When families don’t understand the illness, they may have wrong ideas about it. This can stop them from helping in good ways. For example, without learning about it, they may not realize how bad the symptoms are.
Your family member might not realize symptoms like the scary thoughts people with schizophrenia have or the suicidal thoughts people with deep depression have. Families might wonder why their loved ones can’t just snap out of it. But the illnesses are more severe than that.
2. Share the problem you notice with your loved ones.
If you see changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior, you should talk about your worries. It may feel uncomfortable to start the conversation. But doing so is the first step to get them help. Say you are concerned rather than acting like something is wrong with them.
3. Be a good listener to the person suffering.
One of the best things you can do is be there for them. Listen without judging. Let them cry on your shoulder. This can comfort someone who feels alone, worried, or depressed. Let them know you are there to listen.
Show empathy and don’t try to solve the problem or give unasked-for advice. You might naturally want to fix their pain, but that may reduce their feelings or stop them from opening up more to you. Instead, you can say their feelings are valid and okay to have.
4. Help and encourage your loved one to get professional therapy.
You can’t help your loved one all by yourself, even if you want to. You can give emotional support. However, mental health experts and doctors, such as personal care services in Philadelphia, are trained to find and treat mental health problems. Encourage your friend or family to see their regular doctor first and then a therapist.
5. Be patient with them.
Effective Treating mental illness takes time. Healing is not a straight procedure, as many ups and downs come during the process. Some people may need to try different approaches or medications before feeling better. Hence, you must be patient in such cases.
