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ADVICE FROM YOUR
LOCAL DOC
&
23
Family Support Important for Those with Mental Health Issues
By Raleigh
Kincaid, LMFT,
Family Practice
Associates of
Lexington, P.S.C.
When someone is experiencing
mental health issues, the most important thing he or she needs is the support of his or her loved ones.
According to the National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI), the challenges of mental illness not only
affect an individual’s family members but also their friends, teachers,
neighbors, coworkers and others in
the community. While dealing with
someone with a mental illness can
be confusing, frustrating and even
frightening, there are ways to cope.
Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Learn as much as you can about
the individual’s condition. Numerous
resources are available either on line
or in the library.
2. Work with the individual and
his or her doctor(s) during treatment. Ask about possible side effects
of medications.
3. Encourage the individual to follow the treatment plan, but don’t be
overbearing.
4. Listen to the individual when he
or she wants to talk; treat them with
respect. And don’t tell them to “just
snap out of it.” Most of the time, they
can’t.
5. Keep your daily routine and
activities as normal as possible. Often
predictability is a comfort for people
suffering mental distress.
6. Realize the individual’s thoughts
and actions are not under their
control, says Dr. Barry Jacobs, PsyD,
director of behavioral sciences at the
Crozer-Keystone Family Medicine
Residency Program in Springfield,
Pa. Antagonistic or bizarre behaviors
are a manifestation of the illness;
they are not willful, purposeful
actions.
7. Have realistic expectations.
Sometimes a mental illness impacts a
family for many years.
8. Seek outside support. Find a
group that focuses on the issue with
which you’re dealing. NAMI (www.
nami.org), as well as many other
organizations concerned with mental
health, offers support groups and
courses for family members.
9. Prepare a crisis plan. Keep
important phone numbers (police,
hospital, doctor) handy – just in case.
10. Remind the individual that a
good life is possible. Mental health
problems are treatable and an individual can lead a productive life.
If you need to approach a family
member about the state of his or her
mental health, www.mentalhealth.
gov suggests saying things like:
• “I’ve been worried about you.
Can we talk about what you are experiencing?”
• “It seems like you are going
through a difficult time right now.
How can I help you find help?”
• “I’m concerned about your safety. Have you thought about harming
yourself or others?”
• “I am someone who cares and
wants to listen. What do you want
me to know about how you are feeling?”
• “What else can I help you with?”
Be aware of the individual’s reaction to your questions. If you have
to, slow down or back up if the individual seems to be getting upset.
Try not to succumb to shame,
blame or guilt. Mental illness is not a
punishment, nor is it a crime. It is a
biological/physiological problem.
Sometimes people need to have
professional help to manage their
condition, just as with a physical aliment, and with a proper treatment
plan and family support, they can.
Studies show patients with educated
and involved families experience a
reduction in symptoms, hospitalization days and relapse.
About the Author
A native of Beattyville, Ky., Raleigh
Kincaid has lived in Lexington for
nearly 20 years. He believes his job as
a marriage and family therapist is to
“help people find and act on the truth.”