When a physical illness strikes a family, It’s difficult. When mental illness strikes a family, it’s distressing. When both strike at the same time, it’s devastating.
Yet, we all know through experience, that illness is a temporary state of affairs.. The worse days don’t last all too long. Before we fully realize, wellness is back around again. If only wellness recovery would stay forever.
My wife and sister who make up a big part part of my support system – a network system of support is something every one should have living with Bipolar Disorder, or any “disorder.”
I appreciate my supportive family members, even thought they sometimes done understand what I’m going thought all the time. They try to understand and encourage me to keep going especially if I am having a tough day. My sister saved my file when I was suicidal. Having a network does work and does save lives.
My wife and sister both stay educated on mental illness and recently they both read an encouraging article on mental disorders and how loved ones can cope. Today my sister texted me with an articled with the following 9 things to do:
Dealing With Mental Disorders-9 Things to Do:
1. Follow the treatment prescribed by qualified mental-health professionals.
2. Maintain a balanced and stable daily routine.
3. Stay physically active.
4. Get enough sleep.
5. Take time each day to relax.
6. Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
7. Limit alcohol consumption and drugs that are not prescribed for you.
8.Avoid isolation; spend time with people whom you trust and who care for you.
9.Give attention to your spiritual needs.
Any illness presents its own unique challenges to overcome. Mental disorders and mental illnesses challenge the love and the respect and the positive coping skills/strategies of all family members and parties involved. It’s empowering when we can help and support each other to keep going the best we can taking it day by day.
How can families, friends and loved ones better manage mental disorders without destroying precious, irreplaceable relationships? (Illness as well as stress from coping with illness can take a heavy toll.) Any tools that we should be aware of that we need to help mend and fix families and relationships that are coping with mental illness and/or various mental disorders?
Be forgiving and keep listening and loving each other through the difficult days. Remember, a difficult day is only 24 hours long.
Even when we are sick, we cannot lose sight of the big picture, that life is a precious gift and so are family and friends. Let’s follow these practical tips and help carry each other through the hard days…thereby making life a little easier for all of us in particular our beloved sick family members.
Reference:
Awake! December 2014 Dealing With Mental Disorders