I just came across a really insightful and matter of fact article that is posted on the FAME website called "When Mental Illness Becomes Part of the family". The article features specific family situations and touches on the negative affects of stigma related to mental illness in our society. The Globe and Mail article also offers some key principles which I wanted to share here for family members and caregivers as a quick reference.
1. Realize that mental health issues are not rare.
2. Learn as much as possible, as soon as possible.
3. Don't blame yourself - it can destroy your chances of coping forever.
4. Seek professional helpers who are effective.
5. Contact a self-help group for family members and caregivers.
6. Accept that mental health challenges are complex. Our natural instincts can be an unreliable guide. Relatives need training.
7. Get to know the origins of pressures to which family members are subject.
8. Pay special attention to the needs of other members of the family.
9. Remember that unlimited, unconditional self-sacrifice on behalf of someone with a mental health challenge is fatal to effective caring and coping.
10. Be aware that spending massive amounts of time with your loved one who is experiencing the mental health issue can make matters worse.
11. Maintain friendships, activities and hobbies, particularly those that will take you outside the home.
12. Set your sights on appropriate independence for your loved one and yourself.
13. Don't be surprised to find that the ability to change and look at things differently distinguishes relatives who can cope from those who can not.
14. Take very good care for yourself.
Over and out from the east! Have a great weekend!
Meg
No comments:
Post a Comment