Here is the article that I am writing about: http://bit.ly/17bRIMD. The article talks about mental health first aid. This is great information for any family member, partner or friend dealing with mental illness in someone they love. It is seriously intimidating dealing with mental illness. Having training in the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the best approach to helping a loved one through a crisis is invaluable. Because of that, I am going to do my part to acquaint people with the information. Here is what is suggested for speaking with a loved one dealing with a mental illness:
For me, there are a couple of these suggestions that are extremely important. The first one is: Listen nonjudgementally. When you discount what someone is feeling by judging those feelings, you shut down communication. That should be obvious. When someone is talking to you about hopelessness, that isn't the time to tell them that they should just pick themselves up and feel better. If you want to be a resource that supports recovery, you have to be very open. If you are the type of person that has difficulty talking to people about emotion, learn to listen. Simply reflect what you are hearing back to the person that you are listening to. When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust.
The other important aspect is assessing for risk of suicide or harm. If you are uncertain whether your family member is truly at risk, it might be better to assume that it is more serious than you think. And that is the time to reach out for help. There are options for asking for assistance. You might want to call a crisis line. Or contact a local mental health facility. The key is talking to someone who is objective and knowledgeable. While taking the risk of talking to an outside resource may be intimidating, it can be tremendously reassuring. And may give you some ideas for any further steps that need to be taken.
The article talks about the best possible scenario if you use these suggestions. A sister saved her brother's life. And built a supportive relationship in the process. It seems like this might be the best approach. What do you think? Read the article and let me know what you think.
The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm
• Listen Nonjudgmentally
• Give Reassurance and Information
• Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
• Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies
For me, there are a couple of these suggestions that are extremely important. The first one is: Listen nonjudgementally. When you discount what someone is feeling by judging those feelings, you shut down communication. That should be obvious. When someone is talking to you about hopelessness, that isn't the time to tell them that they should just pick themselves up and feel better. If you want to be a resource that supports recovery, you have to be very open. If you are the type of person that has difficulty talking to people about emotion, learn to listen. Simply reflect what you are hearing back to the person that you are listening to. When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust.
The other important aspect is assessing for risk of suicide or harm. If you are uncertain whether your family member is truly at risk, it might be better to assume that it is more serious than you think. And that is the time to reach out for help. There are options for asking for assistance. You might want to call a crisis line. Or contact a local mental health facility. The key is talking to someone who is objective and knowledgeable. While taking the risk of talking to an outside resource may be intimidating, it can be tremendously reassuring. And may give you some ideas for any further steps that need to be taken.
The article talks about the best possible scenario if you use these suggestions. A sister saved her brother's life. And built a supportive relationship in the process. It seems like this might be the best approach. What do you think? Read the article and let me know what you think.
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