What to Do When You Can’t Get Help for a Loved One
"Who can you turn to?
Because family problems with a loved one in distress are ubiquitous, you are not alone. There are many other families living with disappointment in and frustration with our mental health “system”. Few make themselves known. But you can find them at community centers, your work, churches and temples, NAMI, even among your extended family. Find them by looking, listening, and talking. Families learn from and support one another.
How can you help an unwilling family member?
Listen without making judgments. Concentrate on what’s on your loved one’s mind, not what you dearly want to make happen. Ask what they want, within reason, to help them. Avoiding confrontation—don’t get into fights—will often be the most difficult thing for a family. Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact. Express what you observe (doesn’t call back friends, paces most of the night in their room), not what you feel. Tolerate no responses until there is one; it can take your loved one time.
Nothing is more important than keeping hope alive.
Especially when a relapse happens, or when time wears you down. People do recover. But these are “chronic relapsing conditions”. Chronic means don’t expect a sprint when you have a marathon to run. Relapsing means recovery is not a straight line. Be kind to yourself when a relapse happens. It’s not your fault. Stay the course, always keep hope alive—for yourselves as much as for your loved one."
Read the full article on Psychology Today
✨Takeaway: When outside help is not available, families can turn inward and find rewards in supporting each other. Keeping hope alive is crucial, as recovery from mental health conditions is often a chronic and relapsing process.
✨Reflection: In what additional ways can we better support and care for our loved ones who are struggling with mental health issues, even when professional help is unavailable?
#Family #Stress #Relationships #MentalHealth #Hope #Support #Awareness
If you liked this article, you may also enjoy: "How to Help a Partner Living With Depression"
@innateJoy9602
I think the biggest struggle in getting help for others is ....... will they follow thru. mental health or addiction even basic health issues require the patient to participate in their own recovery and when loved ones all try to be there for them in some cases the attention actually hurts their will to recover because they like the attention.
